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Spicy Sausage Pasta Recipe Easy Creamy Tomato Sauce Dinner Idea

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A quick and easy pasta dish featuring spicy Italian sausage in a creamy tomato sauce, perfect for cozy dinners and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/2 to 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 12 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving rendered fat in the pan.
  3. In the same skillet, add chopped onion and cook over medium heat until translucent and slightly golden, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen flavor. Add crushed tomatoes, red pepper flakes, dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Let sauce simmer gently for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Lower heat and stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream. Add cooked sausage back to the sauce and mix well. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a splash at a time to loosen.
  6. Add drained pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat pasta with sauce. Cook together for 1-2 minutes to marry flavors.
  7. Remove from heat and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not rush browning the sausage to develop a flavorful crust. Adjust seasoning and spice level to taste. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. For a lighter sauce, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half. For dairy-free, use coconut cream and vegan sausage. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently with added liquid if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: spicy sausage pasta, creamy tomato sauce, easy dinner, Italian sausage recipe, quick pasta recipe, comfort food

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