Penne with Italian Sausage Tomato and Herbs
Savor the comforting flavors of Italy with this Penne with Italian Sausage, Tomato, and Herbs recipe—a hearty pasta dish that's perfect for dinner any night of the week. Tender penne pasta is tossed in a rich, savory tomato sauce infused with aromatic herbs like oregano, basil, and just a hint of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Juicy crumbles of Italian sausage, whether mild or spicy, add a satisfying, meaty depth, while fresh basil leaves infuse a burst of freshness into every bite. Top it all off with a generous sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese for a creamy, salty finish. Ready in just 40 minutes, this family-friendly recipe is easy to prepare and delivers gourmet Italian flavor from the comfort of your own kitchen. Ideal for pairing with a crisp green salad and crusty garlic bread, this dish is sure to become a new household favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 grams penne pasta
- 400 grams Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium-sized yellow onion
- 3 large garlic cloves
- 800 grams crushed tomatoes (canned)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 0.5 teaspoons red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 10 leaves fresh basil leaves
- 50 grams Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 3 liters water
Instructions
Bring 3 liters of water to a boil in a large pot. Add a generous pinch of salt and the penne pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Remove the casings from the Italian sausages and crumble the meat into the skillet. Cook the sausage for 5-6 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Transfer the sausage to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat.
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and let the sauce cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the cooked sausage back into the skillet and mix well. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce.
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the fresh basil leaves.
Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and additional fresh basil if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
591 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 33.0 g | 42% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.0 g | 55% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 66 mg | 22% | |
| Sodium | 1644 mg | 71% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 50.1 g | 18% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.1 g | 22% | |
| Total Sugars | 11.0 g | ||
| Protein | 28.1 g | 56% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 303 mg | 23% | |
| Iron | 3.7 mg | 20% | |
| Potassium | 828 mg | 18% | |
*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.
