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Spicy Sausage Pasta

Spicy Sausage Pasta
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Discover the bold and savory Spicy Sausage Pasta, featuring perfectly seasoned sausage, a spicy tomato sauce, and tender pasta for a quick and satisfying meal. Ideal for a comforting weeknight dinner with customizable heat levels to suit every taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb Italian sausage (spicy or sweet)
  • 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your penne or rigatoni pasta until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water for later.
  2. Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the sausage from casings and crumble it into the pan. Cook until nicely browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer sausage to a plate and set aside.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes, making sure not to burn the garlic.
  4. Add Tomatoes and Spices: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then sprinkle in red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let the sauce simmer gently for about 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
  5. Combine and Finish: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir to combine. Slowly add the drained pasta into the sauce, tossing everything together. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Turn off the heat and sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley and grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Give the pasta one last gentle toss and serve immediately while warm and flavorful.

Notes

  • Quality Sausage Matters: Choose fresh, high-quality sausage for the best flavor and texture.
  • Reserve Pasta Water: Always save some pasta water to adjust your sauce consistency perfectly.
  • Don’t Overcook Pasta: Aim for al dente to keep the pasta from getting mushy when mixed with sauce.
  • Adjust Heat Gradually: Add spicy chili flakes slowly and taste as you go to match your preferred spice level.
  • Fresh Herbs Finish: Add basil or parsley right before serving to preserve their fresh flavor and color.

Nutrition

Keywords: spicy sausage pasta, Italian pasta recipe, quick dinner, weeknight meal, spicy tomato sauce, comfort food

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