Italian Sausage Pasta

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Skill Level: Easy
Cuisine: Italian-American

Why This Italian Sausage Pasta Is a Must-Try

If you’re looking for a comforting, satisfying meal that comes together in under an hour, this Italian Sausage Pasta is the answer. It’s loaded with bold, savory sausage, perfectly cooked pasta, a rich tomato-based sauce, and the option to make it creamy, cheesy, or spicy — however you like it!

This one-pan wonder is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or when you just want to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

Pasta:

• 12 oz penne (or rigatoni, fusilli, or your favorite pasta)

• Salt (for boiling water)

Sausage & Sauce:

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild, spicy, or sweet — your choice)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (if sausage is lean)

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce

• ¼ cup tomato paste (for richness)

• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

• Salt & pepper, to taste

Optional Add-ins:

• ½ cup heavy cream (for a creamy version)

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped for garnish

• 1 cup baby spinach or arugula (stir in at the end)

Tools You’ll Need

• Large pot for boiling pasta

• Large deep skillet or sauté pan

• Wooden spoon or spatula

• Colander

• Cheese grater (optional)

Preparation & Cook Time Breakdown

Step-by-Step Instructions

 Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.

3. Drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then set aside.

 Step 2: Brown the Sausage

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with your spoon.

3. Cook until browned and fully cooked (about 7–8 minutes).

4. Remove excess grease if needed, but leave some for flavor.

 Step 3: Sauté Onion & Garlic

1. Add diced onion to the skillet with the sausage.

2. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.

3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

 Step 4: Build the Sauce

1. Add in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.

2. Stir in Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and salt & pepper.

3. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, letting the flavors develop.

   • If the sauce thickens too much, stir in reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time.

 Step 5: Make It Creamy (Optional)

For a creamy version:

1. Stir in ½ cup heavy cream and ¼ cup Parmesan cheese.

2. Simmer for an additional 2–3 minutes until combined and velvety.

 Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

1. Add the cooked pasta directly into the sauce.

2. Toss until fully coated.

3. Add in fresh baby spinach or arugula if using, and stir until wilted.

 Step 7: Serve & Garnish

Serve hot, topped with:

• More Parmesan cheese

• Chopped fresh basil or parsley

• Extra red pepper flakes if desired

Pair it with garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal!

Flavor Variations

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Nutrition may vary based on ingredients used and optional add-ins like cream and cheese.