Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe

There's nothing quite like a bowl of Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta to warm you up after a long day. This dish combines the bold, savory flavors of Italian sausage with a creamy tomato sauce and perfectly cooked pasta for a meal that's as comforting as it is satisfying.

I first made this recipe on a chilly night when I craved something hearty yet quick. It’s become a household favorite, with everyone coming back for seconds and asking for more. Ready to discover your new go-to weeknight dinner? Let’s dive in!

Why You'll Love This Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta

Get ready to add a new favorite to your weeknight rotation. Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta is the perfect combination of convenience, bold flavors, and versatility.

First off, this dish is quick and easy to prepare, making it a lifesaver on busy evenings. You’ll have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in under 30 minutes.

It’s also incredibly budget-friendly. With simple, pantry-staple ingredients, you can whip up a family-sized portion without breaking the bank.

The flavors are unmatched. The spicy sausage pairs beautifully with the creamy tomato sauce, creating a dish that’s both indulgent and perfectly balanced.

Best of all, it’s endlessly customizable. Whether you want to adjust the spice level, swap in gluten-free pasta, or sneak in some extra veggies, this recipe is adaptable to suit your preferences.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this dish lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each component works together to create a rich, comforting pasta dish that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Spicy Italian sausage is the star of the show. Its bold flavors infuse the dish with just the right amount of heat. You can use pork, chicken, or turkey sausage depending on your preference.

Pasta is your base, and any short variety like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli works perfectly. Their ridges help trap the sauce, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

Crushed tomatoes form the foundation of the sauce. Opt for high-quality canned tomatoes to get a rich, robust flavor. San Marzano tomatoes are an excellent choice if available.

Heavy cream brings a luxurious creaminess to the sauce, balancing the heat of the sausage. For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or even a plant-based alternative.

Parmesan cheese, freshly grated, is essential for finishing the dish. It adds a salty, nutty richness that takes the pasta to the next level.

You’ll also need some basic pantry staples like olive oil, onion, garlic, and Italian seasoning to round out the flavors. A large skillet and pot for boiling pasta are the only tools required.

How To Make This Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta

Creating this flavorful pasta dish is simpler than you might think. Follow these steps for a delicious meal that’s ready in no time.

Start by cooking your pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water. Cook it al dente according to the package instructions, as it will finish cooking in the sauce later. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.

While the pasta cooks, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into small crumbles as it browns. Cook for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked and slightly crispy. Remove the sausage and set it aside.

In the same skillet, add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 3 minutes. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma.

Stir in the crushed tomatoes and a splash of the reserved pasta water. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Add the cooked sausage back to the skillet and stir to combine.

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. The sauce will turn a beautiful pinkish hue. Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing until every piece is coated in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors!

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (unlikely, but it happens!), this pasta stores beautifully.

Transfer the cooled pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

To reheat, add a splash of milk or water to the pasta and warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. This will help revive the creamy consistency of the sauce.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing you to make it your own.

• Prefer a milder dish? Swap the spicy Italian sausage for sweet Italian sausage or even ground beef.
• Want to sneak in some veggies? Add spinach, diced bell peppers, or mushrooms to the sauce for extra nutrition.
• Gluten-free? Use your favorite gluten-free pasta, and the dish will be just as delicious.
• For a dairy-free option, replace the heavy cream with coconut cream and skip the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

Feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices, and proteins. Cooking is all about making a dish that suits your taste!

Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta is the perfect blend of comfort and excitement, making it a dish you'll turn to time and time again. Enjoy the cozy flavors with your loved ones!

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