Spicy Italian sausage pasta is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines bold, zesty sausage with a rich, savory sauce and tender pasta. This comforting meal is easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something satisfying with a little kick.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy – Ready in under 30 minutes
- Packed with flavor – Spicy sausage, garlic, and herbs create a rich taste
- Customizable – Adjust spice levels and add your favorite veggies
- One-pan option – Less cleanup for a stress-free meal
- Great for leftovers – Tastes even better the next day
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Spicy Italian sausage (links or ground)
- Pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape)
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Onion, chopped
- Crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce
- Heavy cream or half-and-half
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
- Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Cook the pasta – Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the sausage – Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove sausage from casings if using links, then cook until browned. Break it into crumbles as it cooks.
- Sauté aromatics – Add chopped onion and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Make the sauce – Stir in crushed tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Add cream and cheese – Pour in heavy cream and stir in grated Parmesan. Let simmer for another 2–3 minutes.
- Combine with pasta – Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, stirring to coat everything evenly.
- Garnish and serve – Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top and serve immediately with extra Parmesan.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Milder Version: Use sweet Italian sausage instead of spicy.
- Extra Vegetables: Add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrients.
- Cheesy Twist: Stir in shredded mozzarella for a richer, cheesier sauce.
- Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free: Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta.
- Low-Carb Option: Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked sausage?
Yes, but for the best flavor, brown it in the pan before adding the sauce.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Let it simmer longer or add a bit more Parmesan cheese.
What’s the best pasta for this dish?
Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli holds the sauce well.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, use coconut milk instead of cream and a dairy-free cheese alternative.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
Half-and-half or whole milk works, but the sauce will be less rich.
How do I make it extra spicy?
Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Can I add wine to the sauce?
Yes, deglaze the pan with white or red wine before adding tomatoes for extra depth.
Is this dish good for meal prep?
Absolutely! It reheats well and can be stored for several days.
Can I use turkey sausage instead?
Yes, turkey sausage is a leaner option that still adds great flavor.
How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?
Cook it al dente and mix it with the sauce just before serving.
Conclusion
Spicy Italian sausage pasta is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare. With its rich, creamy sauce and bold sausage flavor, it’s a meal the whole family will love. Try different variations to make it your own and enjoy a comforting, homemade pasta dinner.
PrintSpicy Italian Sausage Pasta
Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the zest of Italian sausage with a rich tomato-based cream sauce. This recipe is both satisfying and quick to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
- 8 ounces (225 grams) uncooked penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound (450 grams) spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth or dry white wine
- 1 (14.5-ounce/410 grams) can diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:Â Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.- Brown the Sausage:Â While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the sausage. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Deglaze the Pan:Â Pour in the chicken broth or white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add Tomatoes and Cream:Â Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices, heavy cream, dried basil, salt, crushed red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:Â Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
- Serve:Â Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
Adjusting Spice Level:Â If you prefer a milder dish, use mild Italian sausage and reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes. For extra heat, consider adding more red pepper flakes or using hot Italian sausage.- Pasta Variations:Â While penne is recommended, other short pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle work well with this sauce.
- Storage:Â Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.