Sizzling Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe for Cozy Nights

Bubbling with robust flavors, this spicy Italian sausage pasta delivers a mouthwatering culinary experience that’ll satisfy even the most discerning palates.

Generous chunks of savory sausage weave through perfectly cooked pasta, creating a symphony of taste and texture.

Each bite promises a delightful blend of heat and comfort.

The recipe combines simple ingredients with bold seasonings that dance across your taste buds.

Fresh herbs and a rich sauce elevate this classic dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Warm, hearty, and packed with authentic Italian spirit, this pasta promises to become a new family favorite.

Let’s dive into a meal that speaks directly to the soul of comfort cooking.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 610 kcal

Servings: 5

What Goes Into Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta

• Penne Pasta: Sturdy pasta shape that perfectly catches the rich sauce, choose high-quality durum wheat variety for best texture.

• Italian Sausage, Onion, Garlic: Spicy sausage delivers bold flavor punch, select fresh sweet or hot sausage depending on heat preference, use yellow onions for classic sweetness, choose fresh garlic for robust aroma.

• Chicken Broth, White Wine: Liquid base that adds depth and helps deglaze pan, select low-sodium broth for better control of saltiness, choose dry white wine like pinot grigio.
• Diced Tomatoes: Provides bright acidity and chunky texture, opt for San Marzano tomatoes for authentic Italian flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, silky sauce consistency, select full-fat cream for richest result.
• Dried Basil, Crushed Red Pepper Flakes, Black Pepper: Herbs and spices that build complex flavor profile, use fresh ground black pepper for more intense taste.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, nutty finish, select freshly grated authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano for best flavor.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Bright garnish that adds fresh herbaceous note, choose vibrant green leaves with no wilting.

Gear To Prep Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta with salted water.
• Large skillet: Perfect for browning sausage and creating sauce.
• Wooden spoon: Helps break sausage into small pieces while cooking.
• Measuring spoons: Needed for precise seasoning with salt and red pepper flakes.
• Knife: Used for chopping onions, garlic, and fresh basil.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for chopping ingredients.
• Colander: Drains cooked pasta effectively.
• Cheese grater: Helps grate fresh Parmesan cheese.

Making Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta Easily

• Boil Pasta Perfectly

Cook penne in a big pot of salted water until tender. Drain and set aside for later.

• Create Flavor Base

Sizzle Italian sausage in a hot skillet, breaking into bite-sized pieces until golden brown. Toss in diced onions and garlic, cooking until fragrant and soft.

• Build Rich Sauce

Pour chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up delicious browned bits. Add diced tomatoes, cream, and spices. Let everything simmer and blend together.

• Marry Pasta and Sauce

Fold cooked pasta into the simmering sauce, ensuring every noodle gets coated with the spicy, creamy mixture. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and stir until melted.

• Finish and Serve

Pull skillet off heat and scatter fresh basil on top. Plate immediately while steaming hot, offering extra cheese for those who want more.

Helpful Ideas For Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta

• Pasta Perfection Hacks: Smart Cooking Tips
• Sausage Selection Magic: Choose spicy or mild Italian sausage based on your heat preference. For a leaner option, use turkey or chicken sausage without compromising rich flavor.
• Creamy Sauce Secrets: Keep the heat low when adding cream to prevent curdling. Stir continuously and remove from direct heat to maintain smooth, silky sauce consistency.
• Gluten-Free Swap: Replace traditional penne with gluten-free pasta made from chickpea, rice, or quinoa for a celiac-friendly version. Ensure cooking times match package instructions.
• Veggie Boost Technique: Add chopped spinach, roasted bell peppers, or zucchini during the sautéing stage for extra nutrition and color. These vegetables complement the spicy sausage beautifully.
• Make-Ahead Meal Prep: This dish stores wonderfully in airtight containers for 3-4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth to restore sauce moisture and prevent drying out.

Ways To Serve Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta

• Cozy Family Dinner Centerpiece: Place the steaming pasta in a large, rustic serving dish that captures the warmth and comfort of an Italian kitchen. The rich, creamy sauce and golden sausage will make this the star of your dinner table.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the spicy sausage and creamy sauce with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese. These wines will enhance the robust flavors and create a restaurant-quality dining experience at home.
• Refreshing Side Salad Companion: Balance the rich pasta with a crisp green salad topped with a light lemon vinaigrette. The bright, tangy salad will cut through the creamy sauce and provide a fresh contrast to the hearty main dish.
• Bread Basket Bonus: Serve warm, crusty Italian bread or garlic bread on the side to soak up the delicious sauce. These bread options will ensure no drop of the flavorful sauce goes to waste and add an extra layer of comfort to the meal.

Save And Plan Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta Well

• Quick Batch Cooking: Whip up double the recipe and divide into individual portions for easy weeknight dinners. Store extra servings in airtight containers for fast reheating.
• Refrigerator Longevity: Safely store leftovers in sealed containers for 3-4 days. The creamy sauce might slightly separate when chilled, so gently stir when reheating to restore texture.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Freeze pasta without fresh basil garnish for up to 2 months. Transfer to microwave-safe containers, leaving slight room for expansion. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before warming.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Revive chilled pasta by adding splash of chicken broth or water while gently warming in skillet. Stir continuously to prevent sauce from breaking and maintain creamy consistency. Medium-low heat works best for restoring original delicious texture.

Hearty Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

This classic Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta delivers robust Mediterranean flavors with hearty ingredients. Rich tomato sauce and al dente noodles create a satisfying meal you’ll savor to the last delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450 g) spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
• 8 oz (225 g) uncooked penne pasta
• ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth or dry white wine
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 (14.5 oz/410 g) can diced tomatoes, with juices
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Boil salted water in a large pot, cook penne until al dente, then drain while reserving some pasta water.
2. Sausage Searing: Heat olive oil in a wide skillet, crumble Italian sausage, and cook until perfectly browned and completely done, breaking into small pieces.
3. Aromatic Foundation: Add onions to sausage, sauté until soft and translucent, then introduce minced garlic, allowing its fragrance to bloom briefly.
4. Flavor Intensification: Deglaze pan with chicken broth, scraping up caramelized bits, reducing liquid to concentrate flavors and create a rich base.
5. Sauce Development: Incorporate diced tomatoes, heavy cream, dried basil, salt, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Simmer gently, allowing ingredients to meld and sauce to thicken naturally.
6. Final Assembly: Fold cooked penne into the sauce, ensuring complete coating, then integrate Parmesan cheese until smoothly melted and evenly distributed.
7. Serving Presentation: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh basil leaves and optional Parmesan cheese, serving immediately while steaming hot.

Notes

• Customize Sausage Intensity: Choose mild or hot Italian sausage based on personal spice tolerance, allowing flexible heat levels for different palate preferences.
• Prevent Pasta Overcooking: Monitor pasta closely during boiling, removing it just before complete tenderness to ensure al dente texture that maintains perfect bite and prevents mushiness.
• Maximize Flavor Development: Allow sausage to brown deeply before adding other ingredients, creating caramelized edges that enhance overall dish complexity and depth of taste.
• Cream Sauce Stabilization: Reduce heat when adding cream to prevent separation, stirring continuously to maintain smooth, silky sauce consistency without curdling.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 610
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg