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Spicy Sausage Pasta

Spicy Sausage Pasta
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Spicy Sausage Pasta is a bold, comforting dish featuring spicy Italian sausage paired with tender pasta in a creamy, savory sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe balances heat and richness perfectly to deliver a flavorful meal ideal for weeknights, family dinners, or casual gatherings. Customize with your favorite veggies or substitute ingredients to fit dietary needs while enjoying a satisfying dinner full of warmth and texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat & Protein

  • 8 oz Italian spicy sausage (crumbled)

Pasta

  • 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta

Aromatics & Spices

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 to 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Produce & Canned Goods

  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

Dairy & Cheese

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Herbs & Garnishes

  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne or rigatoni pasta until al dente, following package instructions. Drain the pasta and reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Set pasta aside.
  2. Brown the Spicy Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, crumble and cook the spicy sausage until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove excess fat if necessary to prevent greasiness.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Add freshly minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes to the cooked sausage. Cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, to build a flavorful base for the sauce.
  4. Build the Sauce: Stir in the diced tomatoes and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Gently fold in the heavy cream while stirring to create a creamy, luscious sauce.
  5. Combine and Finish: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and improve consistency. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and combines well.

Notes

  • Choose quality authentic Italian spicy sausage for the best flavor and balanced heat.
  • Reserve some pasta water; it helps the sauce cling to the noodles and enhances creaminess.
  • Adjust crushed red pepper flakes gradually to suit your spice tolerance.
  • Add fresh basil or parsley right before serving for a bright, fresh aroma.
  • Grate Parmesan cheese fresh for better melting and richer flavor compared to pre-grated versions.

Nutrition

Keywords: spicy sausage pasta, Italian sausage pasta, creamy sausage pasta, quick dinner, comfort food, spicy pasta, penne pasta recipe

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/spicy-sausage-pasta/