This Easy Spicy Sausage Pasta is a fantastic dinner choice! It combines zesty sausage and hearty pasta, all in a simple tomato sauce that packs a little heat.
Add a sprinkle of cheese on top for extra yum! I like to whip this up when I’m short on time, yet want something that feels cozy and delicious. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I use penne or rigatoni because they hold the sauce well. If you’re looking for alternatives, spaghetti or fusilli can also work nicely. Whole grain or gluten-free pasta are great substitutes too!
Spicy Italian Sausage: This gives the dish its kick! You can swap it for mild sausage if you prefer less heat, or use turkey sausage for a lighter option. Veggie sausage is a good choice for a meatless dish.
Crushed Tomatoes: These add a rich base to your sauce. If you have diced tomatoes on hand, you can blend those to make a similar texture. For a fresh taste, use fresh tomatoes during peak season, just chop and cook them down.
Heavy Cream: Cream makes the sauce deliciously smooth. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try half-and-half or even Greek yogurt for tang, but add it off the heat to prevent curdling.
How Do You Get the Perfectly Flavored Sausage?
Cooking the sausage correctly is key to a tasty dish. For best results, ensure you break it up into smaller pieces while it cooks. This helps create more surface area for browning, which adds lots of flavor.
- Cook over medium-high heat until browned for about 6-8 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart.
- Don’t rush it! Letting it get that nice, golden color will enhance the overall taste of your pasta.
These small adjustments will make your Easy Spicy Sausage Pasta dish truly shine! Enjoy cooking!
Easy Spicy Sausage Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne or rigatoni work well)
- 1 lb (450 g) spicy Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste for spiciness)
- 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the pasta and preparing the sausage sauce, and 5-10 minutes for simmering and mixing everything together. It’s a quick and simple meal that’s perfect for any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. After it’s done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it’s soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
3. Add Garlic and Spices:
Next, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Cook everything together for about 30 seconds or until you can smell the garlic’s aroma. This step gives your dish an extra kick!
4. Cook the Sausage:
Now, add the spicy Italian sausage to the skillet. Use a spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Stir it frequently and cook until it’s browned and no longer pink, which should take about 6-8 minutes.
5. Make the Sauce:
Once the sausage is nicely browned, pour in the crushed tomatoes. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This helps the flavors to meld together beautifully.
6. Stir in the Cream:
Now it’s time to add the heavy cream. Stir it in and season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
7. Combine with Pasta:
Add your cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Gently toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy, spicy sauce.
8. Finishing Touches:
Remove the skillet from heat. If you’re using fresh basil or parsley, sprinkle it in and toss everything together again to incorporate the herbs.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your pasta hot, with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy your flavorful and easy spicy sausage pasta!
FAQ for Easy Spicy Sausage Pasta
Can I Use Turkey or Chicken Sausage Instead of Pork?
Absolutely! Turkey or chicken sausage are great alternatives if you’re looking for a lighter option. Just make sure to select a spicy variety to maintain the flavor profile of the dish!
Can I Make This Pasta Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just cook the pasta fresh before serving. Reheat the sauce on the stove while the pasta cooks to enjoy the best flavor and texture!
How to Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. Alternatively, to increase the heat, consider using a hot Italian sausage or adding some chopped fresh jalapeños for an extra kick!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of cream if the sauce has thickened too much!
