Description
A bold and creamy pasta dish featuring spicy Italian sausage, a flavorful tomato-based sauce, and tender pasta. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti)
- 1 lb spicy Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or pasta water)
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust for spice level)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta – Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the sausage – In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Remove excess grease if needed.
- Sauté aromatics – Add diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Make the sauce – Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Stir and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add cream & cheese – Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth. Let simmer for 2-3 more minutes.
- Combine with pasta – Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
- Serve – Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan. Enjoy warm!
Notes
- Use mild Italian sausage if you prefer less spice.
- Swap heavy cream for whole milk for a lighter version.
- Add spinach or bell peppers for extra flavor.