Description
Spicy Sausage Pasta is a bold and comforting meal combining spicy sausage, al dente pasta, and a rich tomato-based sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish delivers a smoky heat balanced with savory flavors, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or impressing guests with a vibrant, hearty pasta.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz spicy sausage (Italian or chorizo style)
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or any ridged pasta)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Serving
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of pasta water for later use.
- Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced or crumbled spicy sausage and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until onions are translucent and fragrant.
- Create the Sauce: Stir in crushed tomatoes, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 10 minutes to blend flavors.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together, gradually adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the noodles.
- Final Touches: Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil or parsley. Serve immediately topped with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Use quality sausage for the best flavor impact.
- Do not overcook the pasta; al dente texture is ideal to hold the sauce.
- Adjust red pepper flakes gradually to control heat intensity.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
- Add fresh herbs at the end to preserve their brightness and aroma.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: spicy sausage pasta, Italian sausage pasta, quick pasta recipe, one-pot pasta, spicy pasta, weeknight dinner, gluten-free pasta dish
