Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
607 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta
Description
The Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta recipe starts with cooking penne pasta al dente. The sausage meat, removed from casings and crumbled, is browned over medium-high heat for a flavorful base. After removing excess fat, minced garlic is sautéed briefly before adding chicken broth and flour, which are whisked to form a pan sauce and to scrape up browned bits. Then canned diced tomatoes with juices and heavy cream are incorporated, creating a creamy, tomato-based sauce that balances acidity and richness. The sausage is returned to the pan to meld flavors and thicken the sauce slightly. The sauce is seasoned with salt, black pepper, and finished with fresh torn basil leaves for an aromatic note. Tossing the sauce with pasta coats it with layers of spicy, creamy, and herby flavors, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for savory depth.
This dish serves as a hearty main course suitable for casual dinners where creamy and spicy tastes are desired. The combination of textures from tender pasta and crumbled sausage enriches each bite.
Using heavy cream is important as lighter dairy products may curdle due to tomato acidity. Fresh basil enhances the flavor but can be omitted if unavailable. Parmesan adds a finishing salty touch. Adjust sausage quantity and spice level based on preference. The dish comes together with mostly stovetop cooking and basic pantry ingredients.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta uncooked
- 11 ounces Italian sausage see note, hot
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or white wine
- 1/2 tablespoon flour
- 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
- 1/2 cup heavy cream aka whipping cream
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- small handful basil sliced/torn into small pieces, fresh
- Parmesan Cheese to taste, freshly grated
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta al dente according to package directions.
- Meanwhile, take the sausage meat out of the casings and crumble it into a skillet. Cook it for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, over medium-high heat until browned.
- Once the sausage is browned, take it out of the pan and transfer to a plate. If there's a lot of excess fat left in the skillet, drain most of it.
- To the skillet, add the garlic, followed by the chicken broth. Sprinkle the flour in. Whisk it until the flour has dissolved, and scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Cook this mixture until it's significantly reduced (should only take a minute or two in total).
- Add in the tomatoes, cream, and the sausage meat. Cook the sauce for a few more minutes until it's thickened to your liking. Season with salt & pepper as needed.
- Just prior to serving, add in the torn basil leaves and then toss with the drained pasta. Serve with freshly grated parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Use roughly 11 ounces of hot Italian sausage or adjust according to desired spice level.
- Avoid substituting heavy cream with half-and-half or milk to prevent curdling from tomato acidity.
- If fresh basil is unavailable, the dish can be made without it though basil adds a fresh note.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese enhances flavor and texture when served.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 607 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 607kcal | 30% |
| Carbohydrates | 49g | 16% |
| Protein | 21g | 42% |
| Fat | 36g | 55% |
| Saturated Fat | 16g | 80% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4g | 24% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 14g | 70% |
| Cholesterol | 93mg | 31% |
| Sodium | 833mg | 35% |
| Potassium | 556mg | 12% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 586IU | 12% |
| Vitamin C | 12mg | 13% |
| Calcium | 83mg | 8% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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