Italian Sausage Pasta

 

Are you looking for a comforting dish that brings smiles to the dinner table? This Italian sausage pasta is the answer! With its hearty flavors and simple steps, it’s the perfect go-to for busy evenings, cozy family meals, or those chilly nights when you crave something warm. Plus, I love how easily it comes together with just a few ingredients!

 

Why You Will Love This Recipe
What if you could whip up a delicious meal that checks all the boxes? This Italian sausage pasta is not only packed with flavor but also budget-friendly and freezer-friendly. Its flexibility makes it great for leftovers—or even doubling the recipe for a crowd. It’s cozy, weeknight-friendly, and just the kind of meal that warms your heart and satisfies hunger.

 

Ingredients

 

Using quality sausage makes all the difference in flavor, so choose a good Italian variety!

 

• • 12 oz. penne pasta

 

• • 1 lb. Italian sausage, casing removed

 

• • 1 medium onion, diced

 

• • 3 cloves garlic, minced

 

• • 1 can (14 oz.) crushed tomatoes

 

• • 1 tsp. dried basil

 

• • 1 tsp. dried oregano

 

• • Salt and pepper to taste

 

• • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

 

• • Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

 

 

To cook for 2 people, use half the quantities. For more than 4, simply double everything.

 

Instructions

 

Step 1: Preparation
Do you have all your ingredients ready? Start by boiling a large pot of salted water for the pasta. While that heats up, prep your onion and garlic, and squeeze the sausage from its casing.

 

Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Once the water is boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, brown the sausage until cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon.

 

Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Once the sausage is browned, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion softens and becomes fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. The kitchen will smell amazing already!

 

Step 4: Finishing & Final Simmer
After the pasta is done, drain it and add it to the skillet with the sausage. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let it all simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly.

 

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

 

Is meal prep feeling overwhelming? This Italian sausage pasta comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a fantastic option for busy evenings. You can also easily make it ahead of time, and the best part? The flavors deepen even more as it sits!

 

Tips & Tricks

 

• • Sautéing the onion first: Skipping this step may leave your sauce lacking in depth. Sautéing enhances the flavor.

 

• • Choosing the right sausage: Look for sausage with a higher meat content. Lower quality can lead to a greasy sauce. Adjust the amount if cooking for fewer people.

 

• • Leftover pasta: When storing leftovers, make sure it’s in an airtight container for maximum freshness.

 

• • Freezing tips: To freeze, allow the dish to cool completely, then portion into containers. It’s perfect for easy meals on busy weeks.

 

 

Variations

 

• • Meaty version: For an even heartier dish, add sliced bell peppers or mushrooms along with the sausage.

 

• • Vegetarian option: Swap the sausage for a plant-based variety and load up on vegetables like zucchini and spinach.

 

• • Ingredient swap: Replace penne pasta with your favorite type, like spaghetti or rigatoni.

 

• • Flavor or herb boost: Add a splash of red wine to the sauce for added depth, or sprinkle in some crushed red pepper for kick.

 

 

Serving Suggestions

 

• • Crusty bread: Serve with a slice of garlic bread to soak up all the delicious sauce.

 

• • Salad: Pair with a simple mixed greens salad dressed with olive oil and vinegar for a refreshing contrast.

 

• • Wine pairing: A glass of red wine complements the rich flavors beautifully.

 

• • Family-style: Serve it straight from the pot, garnished with fresh basil for a cozy, family-style dinner.

 

 

Storage Instructions

 

• • Fridge storage: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

 

• • Reheating: Gently reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water to prevent drying out.

 

• • Freezing: It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just keep it in airtight containers.

 

• • Make-ahead tips: Feel free to prepare the sauce in advance and cook the pasta just before serving for even easier meal prep.

 

 

Recipe Timing

 

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

 

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

 

Calories: 450-500
Protein: 15-20g
This value may vary by ingredients used and serving sizes. Nutritional estimates are not absolute.

 

FAQs

 

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! The sauce can be prepared earlier and combined with fresh pasta just before serving.

 

What if my pasta is too thick?
If you find it too dry, add a little pasta water or broth to loosen it up.

 

Can I substitute the sausage?
Absolutely! Try turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option.

 

How do I fix an overly watery sauce?
Let it simmer longer on low heat to reduce excess liquid.

 

Should I store it in the fridge?
Yes, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

 

Can I adjust the seasoning?
Feel free to add more herbs or spices to suit your taste!

 

Conclusion

 

Do you love bringing flavors to life in your kitchen? This Italian sausage pasta is a delightful dish that can easily be customized to fit your taste. Whether it’s comforting weeknight dinners or surprising guests, you’ll find it brings joy to the table. So grab your ingredients, and savor the flavors!