This Spicy Sausage Pasta brings together the richness of a creamy tomato sauce with the bold flavors of spicy Italian sausage. The heat from the sausage and red pepper flakes pairs perfectly with the creamy base, making every bite a comforting explosion of flavor.
This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you’re looking to impress your guests with minimal effort. The combination of sausage, pasta, and a luscious sauce will make this meal a new favorite in your household.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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12 oz penne pasta
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1 lb Italian sausage (spicy or mild)
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 small onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
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1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for extra spice)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh basil for garnish
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Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
Directions:
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Cook the penne pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
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While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
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Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet, and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent.
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Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
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Stir in the heavy cream and cook for an additional 5 minutes, letting the sauce thicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. Continue cooking for another 2 minutes until everything is heated through.
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Serve topped with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 480 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This Spicy Sausage Pasta is a well-balanced dish that offers a combination of flavors you can’t resist. The spicy sausage provides a bit of heat, while the creamy tomato sauce offers a smooth and comforting base. The pasta ties everything together perfectly, making each bite an explosion of savory goodness. The rich flavor profile ensures that it’s more than just a simple pasta dish—it’s a full meal that will leave you feeling completely satisfied.
This dish is also incredibly versatile. If you’re someone who enjoys experimenting with flavors, you can easily adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes. You can even substitute the sausage for a milder version if you’re not a fan of heat, or add additional vegetables to bulk up the meal and add extra layers of flavor.
Perfect for Busy Weeknights
One of the best things about Spicy Sausage Pasta is how easy it is to make. It comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it an excellent choice for those busy weeknights when you don’t have much time to cook but still want something delicious. The preparation and cooking times are minimal, and the ingredients are simple and easy to find at any grocery store.
This meal also requires very few dishes to prepare, so cleanup is a breeze. The hearty, creamy pasta will satisfy your hunger without needing a lot of prep time or fuss. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or your whole family, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.
How to Customize the Recipe
While the recipe is perfect as is, one of the best aspects of this dish is its flexibility. You can easily adjust it to suit your personal preferences or dietary restrictions. Here are a few ideas for customizing Spicy Sausage Pasta:
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Substitute the Pasta: If you’re following a gluten-free diet or just prefer a different type of pasta, you can easily swap out the traditional penne pasta for gluten-free pasta or even spiralized vegetables like zucchini or sweet potato for a lower-carb option.
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Change the Meat: While spicy Italian sausage is the star of the dish, you can swap it out for other types of sausage, ground beef, turkey, or even vegetarian sausage for a plant-based version.
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Add Vegetables: If you’re looking to increase the veggie content, feel free to add spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the sauce. The vegetables will add extra nutrients and flavor to the dish while keeping it fresh and vibrant.
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Adjust the Spice: The recipe calls for red pepper flakes, but you can easily control the level of heat by adding more or less to suit your taste. If you’re not a fan of spice, simply leave it out or add a milder alternative like smoked paprika.
Pairing with Sides
Spicy Sausage Pasta is delicious on its own, but if you’re looking to elevate the meal or serve it with sides, here are some great options:
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Garlic Bread: A crispy, buttery garlic bread is the perfect complement to the creamy sauce in this pasta. It also provides a nice contrast in texture and adds a comforting touch to the meal.
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Salad: A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette can help balance the richness of the pasta. Consider using mixed greens, arugula, or spinach, with ingredients like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions.
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Roasted Vegetables: If you’d like to add more veggies to your meal, roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or cauliflower are great options. They offer a nice roasted flavor that pairs well with the spicy and creamy pasta.
The Perfect Meal for Any Occasion
While this Spicy Sausage Pasta is ideal for casual weeknight dinners, it’s also a great dish to serve when you’re hosting friends or family. The bold flavors make it a great centerpiece for a meal, and it can easily be doubled to feed a crowd. It’s also a wonderful option for meal prep; you can make a large batch ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a few days. The flavors actually deepen and improve after a day or two, making it a fantastic make-ahead meal.
Additionally, Spicy Sausage Pasta is a great dish for gatherings. It’s filling, flavorful, and has a little bit of heat to excite your guests’ taste buds. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner party, a holiday meal, or just want to treat your family to something special, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Health Considerations
While Spicy Sausage Pasta is definitely a hearty and indulgent meal, there are ways to make it a bit lighter if you’d prefer a healthier version. For example, you can use whole wheat pasta to increase fiber content, or substitute the heavy cream with a lighter version such as half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or almond milk.
For those following a low-carb or keto diet, consider using zucchini noodles or another vegetable-based noodle in place of the traditional pasta. You can also use a lower-fat sausage option or omit the sausage entirely for a vegetarian dish.
Though this recipe isn’t necessarily considered “light,” it is balanced, with plenty of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. You can also increase the vegetable content for added fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Conclusion
Spicy Sausage Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that combines creamy textures with bold flavors in a way that is sure to satisfy your cravings. Its versatility allows you to customize the dish to suit your tastes and dietary needs, making it perfect for anyone and any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or hosting a dinner party, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit.
Not only is this recipe quick and easy to prepare, but it’s also delicious and filling—making it ideal for busy nights when you need a meal that tastes like it took hours to prepare but actually only takes 30 minutes. So next time you’re craving a pasta dish that packs a punch, give Spicy Sausage Pasta a try. You won’t be disappointed!