Penne Pasta with Hot Italian Sausage
Indulge in the bold and comforting flavors of Penne Pasta with Hot Italian Sausage, a hearty dish that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner or special occasion. This recipe combines tender penne pasta with spicy hot Italian sausage, creating a rich and savory base packed with protein and heat. Simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce infused with garlic, onion, oregano, and basil, every bite is bursting with robust Italian-inspired taste. A hint of crushed red pepper flakes adds a fiery kick, balanced beautifully by the creamy nuttiness of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Quick and easy to prepare in just 40 minutes, this one-pan pasta dish is ideal for busy evenings yet refined enough to impress guests. Pair it with a crisp green salad and crusty garlic bread for a complete, crowd-pleasing meal. Keywords: Penne pasta, Italian sausage, spicy pasta, tomato sauce, quick pasta recipes.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb hot Italian sausage
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 3 cloves garlic cloves
- 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 28 oz diced tomatoes (canned)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Remove the casing from the hot Italian sausage and add it to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes.
Transfer the cooked sausage to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease, leaving a small amount of grease in the skillet.
Finely dice the yellow onion and mince the garlic cloves. In the same skillet, add the onion and cook over medium heat until softened, about 4-5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the sauce over medium-low heat for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir to combine with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sausage and sauce.
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the pasta with grated Parmesan cheese. Toss gently to combine.
Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3698 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 176.9 g | 227% | |
| Saturated Fat | 65.6 g | 328% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 463 mg | 154% | |
| Sodium | 9404 mg | 409% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 335.4 g | 122% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 25.9 g | 92% | |
| Total Sugars | 45.7 g | ||
| Protein | 195.6 g | 391% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1631 mg | 125% | |
| Iron | 22.0 mg | 122% | |
| Potassium | 2879 mg | 61% | |
*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.
