If you love bold, hearty flavors, this Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta is the perfect dish for you! Juicy, spicy Italian sausage is cooked to perfection with garlic, onions, and a rich, creamy tomato sauce, then tossed with tender pasta and finished with parmesan cheese.
This one-pot, 30-minute meal is ideal for weeknight dinners, date nights, or meal prep. It’s comforting, satisfying, and packed with flavor – a must-try for any pasta lover!
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- Pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli) – 300 g
- Salt (for boiling water) – 1 tsp
For the Sauce:
- Spicy Italian sausage (casings removed) – 400 g
- Olive oil – 1 tbsp (15 ml)
- Onion, finely chopped – 1 medium (100 g)
- Garlic cloves, minced – 4
- Crushed red pepper flakes – ½ tsp (optional, for extra heat)
- Tomato paste – 2 tbsp (30 g)
- Crushed tomatoes – 400 g (1 can)
- Heavy cream – 120 ml (½ cup)
- Chicken broth – 120 ml (½ cup)
- Italian seasoning – 1 tsp
- Salt – ½ tsp
- Black pepper – ½ tsp
- Parmesan cheese, grated – 60 g (½ cup)
- Fresh basil, chopped – 2 tbsp
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add pasta and cook until al dente (about 1 minute less than package instructions).
- Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add spicy Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Once fully cooked, remove excess grease if necessary.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
- Add chopped onions to the skillet and cook until softened (about 3 minutes).
- Stir in minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes (if using), cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
- Add crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 5: Make it Creamy
- Reduce heat and pour in heavy cream, stirring well.
- Add grated parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and incorporated.
Step 6: Combine Everything
- Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water little by little.
- Stir in chopped fresh basil and let everything heat through for 2 minutes.
Step 7: Serve & Garnish
- Plate the pasta and garnish with extra parmesan and fresh basil.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
✔ With Garlic Bread – Perfect for scooping up extra sauce.
✔ With a Side Salad – A fresh green salad balances the richness.
✔ With Roasted Vegetables – A great way to add extra nutrients.
✔ With a Glass of Red Wine – Pairs beautifully with bold Italian flavors.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving – 4 Servings)
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Protein: 30 g
- Fat: 34 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
Tips & Tricks for the Best Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta
✔ Use High-Quality Sausage – Look for fresh Italian sausage with real spices.
✔ Make It Less Spicy – Use mild Italian sausage and skip the red pepper flakes.
✔ Want It Spicier? – Add extra chili flakes or hot sauce.
✔ Use Fresh Parmesan – Pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
✔ Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Al dente pasta absorbs the sauce better!
Extra Additions for More Flavor
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes – Adds a deep, sweet-savory note.
- Spinach or Kale – A great way to sneak in greens.
- Mushrooms – Adds an earthy depth to the sauce.
- Mozzarella Cheese – Melt some on top for an extra creamy bite.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Make-Ahead – The sauce can be made 1 day in advance and stored in the fridge.
- Refrigerate – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat? – Warm in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or cream.
- Freeze? – Yes! Freeze the sauce for up to 2 months, then thaw and reheat before serving.
Leave a Comment