Sausage Pasta
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
20 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
585 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American, Italian-American Fussion
Sausage Pasta
Description
This Sausage Pasta recipe uses spiral pasta cooked just short of the package time to maintain texture. Italian sausage is cut into chunks and browned along with finely chopped onion and minced garlic, creating a flavorful base. Crushed tomatoes and chili flakes are added to the pan, then simmered until the sauce thickens and flavors concentrate.
Baby spinach can be stirred in near the end for freshness and color. The slightly undercooked pasta is combined with the sauce and some reserved pasta cooking water to help emulsify and retain moisture, resulting in a well-coated dish with both tender and hearty bites.
It's finished with fresh basil and grated parmesan, adding aromatic brightness and a salty finish. The recipe notes the spiral pasta swells more than strand pasta and suggests adjusting sauce and water ratios for larger quantities.
This pasta offers a balanced meal with protein, vegetables, and satisfying pasta, making it suitable for a casual lunch or dinner. Multi-tasking with sauce preparation during pasta boiling helps keep the total cooking time efficient.
Ingredients
- 250 g / 0.5 lb spiral pasta (Note 1)
- 500 g / 1 lb Italian sausage or other quality sausages of choice, good
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion finely chopped, small
- 2 garlic minced, cloves
- 800 g / 28 oz crushed tomato (or tomato passata)
- 1 tsp chili flakes adjust to taste, or red pepper flakes
- salt
- black pepper
- 1 - 2 baby spinach optional, big handfuls
Garnish:
- basil finely sliced, leaves
- parmesan
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to the boil. Cook pasta per packet directions MINUS 1 -2 minutes.
- Just before you drain, RESERVE 1 cup of pasta cooking water. Then drain pasta.
- Use a sharp knife to cut sausages into chunks about 1.5cm/3/5". It will get a bit smeary and the chunks will be weird shapes - don't worry, it self fixes while cooking!
- Heat oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add sausages and cook until quite browned on the outside, doesn't have to be cooked through inside.
- Add onion and garlic, cook for 2 minutes until onion is translucent and sausages are very browned.
- Add tomato, chilli flakes, pinch of salt and pepper. Mix and turn heat down to medium. Lets it bubble away energetically for 8 minutes or until it is quite thickened, stirring every now and then.
- Add baby spinach (if using), pasta, and about 1/2 cup pasta cooking water. Toss quickly, no longer than 1 minute (otherwise the pasta may start to break).
- Remove from stove, and serve immediately, garnished with plenty of basil and parmesan. Enjoy!
Notes
- 250g spiral pasta serves about 4 people; spiral shape swells more than strand pasta.
- For larger pasta amounts, increase tomato sauce and add water proportionally to maintain texture.
- Multi-task by cooking the sauce while pasta boils to complete the dish in about 15 minutes.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 585 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 401g | |
| Calories | 585cal | 29% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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