Description
Creamy, zesty Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta delivers bold Mediterranean flavors in one skillet with perfectly balanced heat. Hearty ingredients meld together, creating a comforting meal that brings Italian restaurant excitement directly to your dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (1 lb) spicy Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 12 ounces (12 oz) penne pasta
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
Seasonings and Finishing Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or pasta water
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
- Fresh basil or parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta in boiling water according to package guidelines, carefully setting aside a portion of the starchy cooking liquid before straining.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over moderate temperature, then introduce the Italian sausage, methodically breaking it into small fragments while cooking until it develops a rich, golden-brown exterior.
- Transfer the browned sausage to a separate plate, maintaining the flavorful remnants in the skillet.
- In the same pan, gently sauté chopped onions until they become translucent and soft, then introduce minced garlic and allow it to release its aromatic essence.
- Incorporate diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, dried oregano, fresh basil, and fiery red pepper flakes into the skillet, allowing the mixture to simmer and meld together for approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Pour in heavy cream and reintroduce the previously cooked sausage, letting the sauce combine and reduce for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Introduce the drained pasta directly into the skillet, carefully tossing to ensure each strand is generously coated with the robust sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
- Finish the dish by generously sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese and scattering fresh basil or parsley on top, creating a vibrant and appetizing presentation.
- Serve immediately while the pasta is piping hot, ensuring maximum flavor and texture enjoyment.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water carefully to help create a silky, smooth sauce that clings perfectly to the noodles.
- Use fresh Italian sausage for maximum flavor depth and authentic taste profile.
- Adjust red pepper flakes based on personal spice tolerance, allowing customization for mild or intense heat preferences.
- Consider substituting heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt for lighter, lower-calorie versions without sacrificing creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg