Cozy Kitchen’s Bold Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand a seriously delicious spicy Italian sausage pasta that packs maximum flavor in minimal time.

Bold, robust sausage transforms an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Tender pasta strands intertwine with juicy, spicy meat creating a symphony of textures and tastes.

Crushed red pepper flakes add a subtle heat that dances across your palate.

Fresh herbs and parmesan cheese elevate this simple dish from basic to restaurant-worthy.

Comfort food meets culinary excitement in this one-pan wonder that comes together faster than you can order takeout.

Prepare to savor every mouthwatering bite of this irresistible pasta that promises to become a new family favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 650 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients for Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta

• Penne Pasta: Sturdy pasta shape that holds sauce perfectly, choose bronze-cut for better texture.
• Olive Oil: Provides smooth cooking base and enhances overall flavor profile.
• Chicken Broth or White Wine: Adds depth and helps deglaze pan, selecting quality liquid matters.

• Italian Sausage: Delivers robust spicy flavor, opt for fresh ground sausage with high meat content.
• Onion: Builds foundational flavor layer, select firm and glossy onions for best results.
• Garlic: Provides aromatic punch, use fresh cloves for most intense taste.

• Diced Tomatoes: Creates rich sauce foundation, choose San Marzano variety for authentic taste.
• Heavy Cream: Provides silky texture and balances spiciness, select high-fat content cream.
• Dried Basil: Offers herbaceous undertone, ensure recently purchased for maximum potency.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces heat element, adjust quantity based on spice preference.
• Black Pepper: Enhances overall seasoning, freshly ground provides superior flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty complexity, select authentic aged Italian variety.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Provides bright finishing touch, select vibrant green leaves.

Tools You Need for Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta with plenty of salted water.
• Large Skillet: Key for browning sausage and creating the creamy sauce.
• Wooden Spoon: Perfect for breaking up sausage and stirring ingredients while cooking.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions, garlic, and fresh basil.
• Sharp Knife: Used for precise chopping of ingredients.
• Colander: Helps drain cooked pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Measuring Spoons: Useful for adding precise amounts of seasonings.
• Cheese Grater: Helps grate fresh Parmesan cheese for topping.

How to Make Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta

• Launch the Pasta Cooking

Bring a generously salted water pot to a rolling boil. Drop in penne and cook until perfectly tender. Drain and set aside.

• Sizzle the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high flame. Crumble Italian sausage into the pan, breaking it into bite-sized pieces. Cook until golden brown and fully done, roughly 5-6 minutes.

• Build Flavor Foundation

Toss chopped onions into the sausage-filled skillet. Saute until they turn translucent and soft. Add minced garlic, letting it dance around for another minute.

• Create Sauce Depth

Pour chicken broth or white wine into the pan, scraping up those delicious caramelized bits clinging to the bottom. Let it bubble and reduce for 2 minutes.

• Blend Creamy Tomato Magic

Introduce diced tomatoes, heavy cream, dried basil, salt, crushed red pepper, and black pepper. Simmer gently, allowing flavors to mingle and sauce to thicken slightly.

• Marry Pasta and Sauce

Tumble cooked penne into the skillet. Toss until every pasta piece is luxuriously coated. Fold in Parmesan cheese until it melts completely.

• Serve and Enjoy

Pull skillet off heat. Scatter fresh basil leaves on top. Sprinkle extra Parmesan if desired. Serve piping hot and savor immediately.

Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta Tips & Swaps

• Pasta Perfection Tricks
• Salting Secrets: Add a generous amount of salt to your pasta water to enhance the overall flavor of the dish, making each bite more delicious and well-seasoned.
• Spice Level Control
• Heat Adjustment: Dial up or tone down the crushed red pepper flakes to match your personal spice tolerance, ensuring the perfect balance of heat for your palate.
• Dietary Flexibility
• Lighter Option: Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a lighter, lower-calorie version that still maintains a creamy texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic
• Meal Prep Friendly: This pasta can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it an excellent option for busy weeknight dinners or quick lunch prep.
• Protein Power-Up
• Veggie Swap: Replace Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or grilled chicken for a different protein option that keeps the dish versatile and appealing to various dietary preferences.

How to Serve Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta

• Rustic Italian Feast: Serve this hearty pasta dish with warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce, creating a complete meal that transports you straight to the Italian countryside.
• Wine Pairing Paradise: Complement the spicy sausage and creamy sauce with a robust red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese, enhancing the rich flavors and adding a sophisticated touch to your dining experience.
• Fresh Herb Finish: Sprinkle extra fresh basil or parsley on top just before serving to add a bright, aromatic element that cuts through the richness and brings a pop of color to the plate.
• Sidekick Salad Sensation: Pair the pasta with a crisp mixed green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the creamy, spicy main dish and provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.

Storage Guide for Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta

• Smart Meal Scheduling: Prepare this pasta dish during weekend batch cooking sessions to have delicious meals ready for busy weekdays. Extra sauce and sausage mixture can be safely stored in airtight containers.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover pasta in sealed containers for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Keep sauce and pasta separately to maintain optimal texture and prevent soggy noodles from absorbing excess liquid.
• Freezing Technique: Freeze sauce without pasta for up to 2 months in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently, adding fresh pasta when serving to ensure perfect consistency.
• Reheating Wisdom: Warm refrigerated pasta in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture. Stir frequently on medium-low heat to prevent burning and maintain sauce's creamy texture. Add extra Parmesan cheese for renewed flavor depth.

Hearty Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Spicy Italian sausage pasta delivers robust Mediterranean flavors in a quick weeknight meal. Rich tomato sauce and tender noodles combine with zesty sausage for a satisfying dinner you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450 g) spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
• 8 oz (225 g) uncooked penne pasta
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 (14.5 oz/410 g) can diced tomatoes, with juices
• ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth or dry white wine
• ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Boil salted water in a large pot and cook penne until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Sausage Searing: Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble Italian sausage and cook until golden-brown and fully cooked, breaking into small pieces.
3. Aromatic Infusion: Add onions to the sausage, sauté until translucent. Introduce minced garlic and briefly toast to release its fragrant notes.
4. Flavor Intensification: Deglaze the pan with chicken broth or white wine, scraping up caramelized bits from the skillet. Reduce liquid to concentrate flavors.
5. Sauce Creation: Pour diced tomatoes with their juices into the skillet. Stream heavy cream and season with dried basil, salt, crushed red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Simmer gently to meld flavors.
6. Final Assembly: Combine cooked penne with the sauce, ensuring thorough coating. Stir in grated Parmesan until it melts completely and creates a creamy texture.
7. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh basil leaves and optional Parmesan. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Pasta Water Magic: Salt the water generously, as this is your first chance to season pasta from within, creating deeper flavor throughout the dish.
• Sausage Searing Technique: Break sausage into small pieces for maximum caramelization, ensuring each fragment develops a crispy, golden-brown exterior that adds incredible depth to the sauce.
• Cream Control: Add cream slowly and simmer gently to prevent separation, maintaining a smooth and luxurious sauce consistency without curdling.
• Spice Flexibility: Adjust red pepper flakes based on heat preference – start with a pinch and gradually increase for personalized spice level without overwhelming the other flavors.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 586
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 875 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 89 mg