Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe You’ll Crave

Weeknight dinners demand something quick yet incredibly satisfying like this spicy italian sausage pasta.

Hearty flavors burst through each delectable bite, promising a meal that feels restaurant-worthy.

Bold ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of taste sensations.

Robust sausage mingles with perfectly cooked noodles, delivering comfort in every forkful.

Chili flakes add a warm kick that will make you smile, while fresh herbs brighten the entire dish.

Simple techniques mean you can craft this incredible meal in under thirty minutes.

Prepare to fall in love with a pasta that satisfies both hunger and culinary curiosity.

Tips to Get the Sauce Just Right

• Make It Gluten-Free: Swap regular penne for gluten-free pasta to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities without compromising flavor.
• Balance Spice Level: Adjust crushed red pepper flakes based on heat preference, adding gradually to control the dish's spiciness without overwhelming taste buds.
• Maximize Sausage Flavor: Select high-quality Italian sausage and brown thoroughly to develop rich, caramelized notes that enhance the overall sauce depth.
• Cream Sauce Consistency: Simmer sauce gently to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, velvety texture that coats pasta perfectly.
• Fresh Herb Boost: Chop basil leaves just before serving to release maximum aromatic oils and add vibrant, fresh flavor to the finished dish.

Keeping Leftovers Tasty and Fresh

• Store leftover pasta in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the pasta before storing to maintain moisture and prevent sticking.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to restore its creamy texture. Stir gently to prevent breaking the pasta.
• Transfer cooled pasta to a freezer-safe container, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Sides That Match Well with This Pasta

• Select robust red wines like Chianti or Sangiovese with medium body that balance the spicy sausage's richness and cut through the creamy sauce.
• Serve alongside crisp arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to provide fresh, tangy contrast against the hearty pasta's bold flavors.
• Pair with crusty Italian garlic bread or focaccia to soak up extra sauce and add delightful textural crunch to the meal.
• Enjoy with cold craft beer like amber ale or Italian pilsner that refreshes the palate and complements the spicy, creamy pasta profile.

Alternate Add-Ins for This Dish

• Vegetarian Sausage Swap: Replace Italian sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles or chopped mushrooms for a meat-free version that maintains the rich, savory flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free penne pasta and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free, perfect for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for traditional pasta, reducing carbohydrate content while keeping the delicious sauce intact.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to create a creamy sauce without dairy.

Sausage Pasta FAQs

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Penne is ideal, but you can also use rigatoni or ziti. These tube-shaped pastas hold the creamy sauce exceptionally well and provide a great texture to the dish.

• How spicy is this pasta dish?

The spice level depends on the crushed red pepper flakes. Use 1/2 teaspoon for mild heat, 1 teaspoon for medium, and 1 1/2 teaspoons for a significantly spicier version. You can always adjust to your personal heat preference.

• Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes! While Italian sausage is recommended, you can substitute with spicy chorizo or ground turkey sausage. Each will bring a slightly different flavor profile to the dish.

• Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?

Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. Use lean ground sausage and reduce the amount of cheese to cut down on calories while maintaining great flavor.

Why Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta Satisfies

• Packed with spicy Italian sausage, creamy sauce, and bold seasonings that create a restaurant-quality dish right at your dining table, guaranteeing everyone will ask for seconds.
• Swap ingredients based on preferences- use different pasta shapes, adjust spice levels, or add extra vegetables to make this recipe uniquely yours without compromising taste.
• One-skillet preparation means less washing up, allowing you to enjoy a gourmet meal without dreading the post-dinner kitchen mess.

The Ingredients Behind the Bold Flavor

• Penne Pasta: A classic pasta shape that holds sauce beautifully, perfect for capturing the rich flavors of the dish.

• Italian Sausage: Spicy and flavorful meat that adds depth and richness to the pasta, choose a high-quality sausage for best results.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor base that builds a delicious foundation, fresh ingredients provide the best taste.

• Chicken Broth or White Wine, Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious sauce base, adds complexity and smoothness to the dish.

• Diced Tomatoes: Adds moisture and tangy flavor to the sauce, canned tomatoes work well for convenience.

• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and salty cheese that enhances the overall flavor, freshly grated provides the best texture.

• Dried Basil, Crushed Red Pepper Flakes, Black Pepper, Salt: Spices that bring heat and depth to the pasta, adjust according to personal preference.

• Fresh Basil Leaves: Bright, fresh herb that adds a final aromatic touch to the dish.

How to Cook Spicy Sausage Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring to a rolling boil. Drop penne pasta into boiling water and cook until tender. Once done, drain completely and set aside.

Step 2: Sear Sausage

Heat olive oil in a wide skillet over medium-high temperature. Crumble Italian sausage into the pan. Break into small chunks using a wooden spoon. Cook until meat turns golden brown and fully cooked.

Step 3: Create Flavor Base

Toss chopped onions into the skillet with sausage. Saute until onions become soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and stir quickly to prevent burning.

Step 4: Build Sauce Foundation

Pour chicken broth or white wine into the skillet. Use a spatula to scrape up delicious browned bits stuck to pan bottom. Allow liquid to bubble and reduce slightly.

Step 5: Develop Creamy Sauce

• Diced tomatoes
• Heavy cream
• Dried basil
• Salt
• Crushed red pepper flakes
• Black pepper

Stir ingredients together and let simmer until sauce thickens and flavors blend.

Step 6: Marry Pasta and Sauce

Transfer cooked penne into skillet. Gently toss pasta until completely coated with creamy sauce. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and mix until cheese melts smoothly.

Step 7: Plate and Garnish

Remove skillet from heat. Top with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot and delicious.

Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty “Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta” delivers robust Mediterranean flavors that dance across palates with bold complexity. Comfort meets culinary excitement in this rustic dish where savory sausage and perfectly al dente pasta invite you to savor each memorable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (450 grams) spicy Italian sausage, casings removed

Pasta and Base Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (225 grams) uncooked penne pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5-ounce/410 grams) can diced tomatoes, with juices
• ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth or dry white wine
• ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream

Seasonings and Garnish:

• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a generously salted water bath in a large pot and submerge the penne, cooking until perfectly tender yet firm. Carefully drain and reserve the pasta.
2. Activate a spacious skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat. Crumble the Italian sausage into the pan, methodically breaking it into delicate fragments. Sear until a rich, golden-brown crust develops and the meat reaches complete doneness.
3. Introduce finely diced onions to the caramelized sausage landscape. Allow them to transform into translucent jewels, then shower with minced garlic, releasing its aromatic essence for a brief moment.
4. Deglaze the pan with a splash of chicken broth or white wine, using a wooden utensil to liberate the concentrated flavor remnants clinging to the skillet’s surface. Let the liquid reduce and integrate.
5. Cascade diced tomatoes with their vibrant juices into the skillet. Stream in luxurious heavy cream, then sprinkle dried basil, a whisper of salt, fiery crushed red pepper flakes, and freshly ground black pepper. Orchestrate the ingredients into a gentle simmer, allowing them to harmonize and concentrate.
6. Marry the cooked penne with the robust sauce, ensuring each pasta tube becomes thoroughly embraced. Incorporate grated Parmesan, stirring until it melts completely and creates a silky coating.
7. Extinguish the heat, crown the dish with fresh basil leaves and an optional cascade of additional Parmesan. Present immediately while radiating warmth and flavor.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting crushed red pepper flakes to suit personal spice tolerance.
• Swap Italian sausage with ground turkey or plant-based alternative for dietary flexibility.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make the recipe completely gluten-free without compromising flavor.
• Create a lighter version by substituting heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt for reduced calories.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 650
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg