This Spicy Sausage Pasta is a fun and tasty dish that brings a kick to your dinner table! It features juicy sausage, pasta, and a zesty sauce that warms you up.
I love how fast this comes together—just cook, mix, and enjoy. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend penne or rigatoni for this dish because their shape holds onto the sauce beautifully. You can use any pasta shape you love, like spaghetti or fusilli, depending on what you have at home.
Italian Sausage: Spicy Italian sausage is the star here! If you’re looking for a milder flavor, use sweet Italian sausage instead. Plant-based sausage is a great alternative for a vegetarian version.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: The amount you use really depends on your spice tolerance. If you’re not a fan of heat, you could skip them. Paprika can be a good mild substitute, adding flavor without the spice.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream gives a rich and creamy texture. You can replace it with half-and-half for fewer calories, or use coconut milk for a dairy-free option. Just keep in mind it will add a slightly different flavor.
Fresh Basil: Fresh basil adds a lovely aroma and taste, but if you can’t find it, dried basil works in a pinch. Just use about a teaspoon instead of a quarter-cup.
How Do I Make Sure My Sauce Is Creamy and Well-Mixed?
Getting your sauce creamy and well-mixed can be tricky, but it’s all about timing and temperature. Here are my tips to make the process smooth:
- After cooking the sausage, ensure the heat is lowered before adding cream. This prevents curdling.
- Mix in the cream gradually while stirring continuously; this helps it blend well with the sausage and tomato base.
- Once you add the pasta to the sauce, toss gently to coat all pieces evenly. If it seems too thick, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up.
This method will help achieve a silky, rich sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta!
Spicy Sausage Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne or rigatoni work well)
For the Sauce:
- 1 lb (450 g) spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 to 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 (14 oz/400 g) can diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (or 1 tsp dried basil)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- Fresh parsley or basil leaves for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Spicy Sausage Pasta takes about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll need about 10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking, making it a quick and vibrant meal for any weeknight!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Boil the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once it’s ready, drain it and set aside. Don’t forget to save a little pasta water to adjust the sauce later if needed!
2. Cook the Sausage:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the spicy Italian sausage (make sure to remove the casings beforehand) and cook for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Make sure it’s nice and browned!
3. Add the Vegetables:
Next, toss in the finely chopped onion. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional minute until you can smell the wonderful aromas.
4. Incorporate the Tomatoes:
Now it’s time to add in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and the tomato sauce. Stir everything well, then bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for about 8-10 minutes to thicken slightly and bring the flavors together.
5. Make it Creamy:
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and chopped basil. Give it a taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed to enhance the flavors.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing everything gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
7. Finish with Cheese:
Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and well mixed into the sauce.
8. Serve:
Serve your Spicy Sausage Pasta hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley or basil if you like. Enjoy your comforting and flavorful dinner!
This dish is perfect for sharing with family or friends, and it’ll surely impress everyone at the table!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use a Different Type of Sausage?
Absolutely! While spicy Italian sausage brings the heat, you can use sweet Italian sausage or even chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter version. Just adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to control the spice level!
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No worries! You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter option or use coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative. If you want to keep it lower in calories, plain yogurt can also work, but add it off the heat to prevent it from curdling.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. You might want to add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens in the fridge.
Can I Make This Pasta Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can cook the sausage and sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Just cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to serve, and toss it with the reheated sauce for the best texture!
