Creamy Pasta Tomato with Italian Sausage
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Pasta Tomato with Italian Sausage recipe, a delightful fusion of rich textures and bold flavors. Perfectly cooked al dente penne is enveloped in a luscious tomato cream sauce, infused with the robust taste of browned Italian sausage and aromatic garlic. A hint of Parmesan adds a savory depth, while fresh basil brightens every bite. Whether you prefer mild or spicy sausage, this dish is customizable to your taste, and optional red pepper flakes offer a tantalizing touch of heat. Ready in just 45 minutes and perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this crowd-pleaser pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad or warm, crusty bread. Prepare to wow your taste buds and satisfy every comfort food craving!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 g Penne pasta
- 4 links Italian sausage (mild or spicy, as preferred)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 medium Yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
- 400 g Canned crushed tomatoes
- 240 ml Heavy cream
- 75 g Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Ground black pepper
- 10 g Fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 0.25 tsp Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Remove the casings from the Italian sausage links. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then crumble and cook the sausage until browned and fully cooked (about 6-7 minutes). Remove the cooked sausage from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the chopped onion over medium heat until softened and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour the crushed tomatoes into the skillet and stir to combine. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes to develop flavor.
Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook gently for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir to coat it in the creamy tomato sauce.
Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to combine with the sauce. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and help it coat the pasta.
Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped basil.
Serve immediately, with additional grated Parmesan on top if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
744 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 51.6 g | 66% | |
| Saturated Fat | 22.7 g | 114% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 129 mg | 43% | |
| Sodium | 1532 mg | 67% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 41.4 g | 15% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.7 g | 13% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.7 g | ||
| Protein | 26.8 g | 54% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 266 mg | 20% | |
| Iron | 2.8 mg | 16% | |
| Potassium | 511 mg | 11% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
