Penne Pasta with Sausage and Spicy Tomato Sauce
Indulge in the rich and hearty flavors of Penne Pasta with Sausage and Spicy Tomato Sauce—an irresistible weeknight dinner that packs a punch! This Italian-inspired dish combines tender penne pasta with savory Italian sausage, perfectly browned for depth of flavor. A robust, zesty tomato sauce infused with garlic, red chili flakes, oregano, and fresh basil brings the perfect balance of spice and aromatic delight. Finished with a touch of Parmesan, this one-pan wonder is as comforting as it is satisfying. Quick to prepare in just 45 minutes and ideal for spicy pasta lovers, this meal is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Serve it with crusty bread and a fresh salad for a complete, restaurant-quality experience at home!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 grams penne pasta
- 400 grams Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.5 teaspoons red chili flakes
- 800 grams canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 10 leaves fresh basil leaves, chopped
- optional Parmesan cheese, grated, for serving
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove the casings from the Italian sausage and add the sausage to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the diced onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened, then add the minced garlic and red chili flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the canned crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir to combine with the tomato sauce. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet and toss it in the sauce until well coated. Cook for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the fresh basil leaves.
Serve the pasta hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
546 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 29.6 g | 38% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.5 g | 43% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 60 mg | 20% | |
| Sodium | 1441 mg | 63% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 48.9 g | 18% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.4 g | 19% | |
| Total Sugars | 11.7 g | ||
| Protein | 22.9 g | 46% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 98 mg | 8% | |
| Iron | 3.6 mg | 20% | |
| Potassium | 821 mg | 17% | |
*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.
