Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta

Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta is ready in under 30 minutes

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Craving Comfort? Let’s Make Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta! ๐Ÿ

There’s just something magical about a big bowl of pasta, isn’t there? Especially when it’s loaded with flavorful, spicy Italian sausage! I remember my grandmother making this for us on chilly evenings.

It always felt like a warm hug. This Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta recipe is my take on that classic comfort food.

5 Reasons Youโ€™ll Love This Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta

  • It’s incredibly flavorful! The spicy sausage really shines. โœจ
  • This Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta is surprisingly quick to make.
  • Itโ€™s a family-friendly meal that everyone will enjoy. ๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘งโ€๐Ÿ‘ฆ
  • You can easily customize the spice level to your liking.๐ŸŒถ๏ธ
  • Leftovers (if there are any!) are delicious the next day. ๐Ÿ˜‹

Letโ€™s Talk Ingredients ๐Ÿ…

Spicy Italian Sausage

I prefer using hot Italian sausage for a real kick. However, you can absolutely use mild if you prefer a less spicy Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta. Make sure to remove it from the casing!

Look for a good quality sausage with a nice blend of spices. It truly makes a difference in the final flavor.

Pasta

Penne is my go-to for this Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta, as the ridges hold the sauce beautifully. But feel free to use your favorite shape!

Rigatoni, rotini, or even farfalle would work wonderfully. Just ensure it’s a pasta that can stand up to a hearty sauce.

Crushed Tomatoes

Good quality crushed tomatoes are essential. I like to use San Marzano tomatoes for their sweetness and low acidity.

They really elevate the flavor of this Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta. Don’t skimp on this ingredient!

How to Make Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta ๐Ÿ

Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta steps

First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions. Meanwhile, let’s get started on the sauce!

This is where the magic happens. It’s a simple sauce, but packed with flavor.

In a large skillet, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.

Next, add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet. Sautรฉ until softened, about 5 minutes.

Then, pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of sugar. Stir well to combine.

Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for at least 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Once the pasta is cooked al dente, drain it and add it directly to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat evenly.

Finally, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy this delicious Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta!

7 Pro Tips for Kitchen Success ๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿณ

  • Always salt your pasta water โ€“ itโ€™s the only chance to season the pasta itself!
  • Don’t overcrowd the skillet when browning the sausage. Work in batches if needed.
  • Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed.
  • For a richer flavor, add a splash of dry red wine to the sauce.
  • Grate your own Parmesan cheese โ€“ it tastes so much better than pre-grated.
  • If the sauce is too thick, add a little pasta water to thin it out.
  • Garnish with fresh basil for a pop of color and flavor.๐ŸŒฟ

Common Cooking Mistakes to Avoid ๐Ÿšซ

cooking Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta

One common mistake is overcooking the pasta. Aim for al dente โ€“ it should have a slight bite. Another is not browning the sausage enough.

That browning is where a lot of the flavor comes from! Also, be careful not to burn the garlic. It can quickly become bitter.

FAQs โ“

Can I use turkey Italian sausage? Absolutely! It’s a great healthier alternative. You might want to add a little olive oil to the skillet when browning.

How can I make this Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta spicier? Add more red pepper flakes, or use a spicier variety of Italian sausage.

Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, you can! Allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.

What wine pairs well with this dish? A medium-bodied Italian red wine, like Chianti or Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, would be a perfect match. For more italian sausage recipes, check out this link!

Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 30 minutes

Yields: 6 servings


Ingredients:

  • 1 pound spicy Italian sausage, removed from casings
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
  • 6 ounces tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook al dente.
  2. In a large skillet, brown the sausage over medium heat, breaking it up. Drain grease.
  3. Add onion and garlic to the skillet. Sautรฉ until softened, about 5 minutes.
  4. Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and sugar.
  5. Bring sauce to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Drain pasta and add it to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat.
  7. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately, garnished with basil.

Final Thoughts ๐Ÿ’ญ

I truly hope you enjoy this Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta as much as my family does! Itโ€™s a classic for a reason, and itโ€™s so easy to customize.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with different types of sausage or vegetables. For more delicious pasta dishes and italian sausage recipes, be sure to browse my other recipes!

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