Penne with Sausage in Creamy Tomato Sauce
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Penne with Sausage in Creamy Tomato Sauce, a rich and satisfying pasta dish perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners. This recipe features tender penne pasta tossed in a luscious sauce made with savory Italian sausage, aromatic garlic, and sweet crushed tomatoes, all elevated by a touch of heavy cream for an irresistibly silky texture. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese melts into the sauce, while red pepper flakes add optional heat for spice lovers. Topped with fresh basil for a fragrant finish, this dish comes together in just 40 minutes and serves 4, making it a quick and easy family favorite. Whether you prefer mild or hot sausage, this recipe is versatile and guaranteed to become a go-to in your kitchen! Perfect keywords: creamy tomato sauce, pasta dinner, Italian sausage recipe, easy weeknight meals, penne pasta.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 8 oz Italian sausage (mild or hot, casings removed)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 14 oz crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to the package instructions, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the sausage to the skillet and cook, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes.
Remove the cooked sausage from the skillet and set aside on a plate. Leave any rendered fat in the skillet.
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 4-5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
Pour the crushed tomatoes into the skillet and stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing it to slightly thicken.
Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream. Mix until fully incorporated and the sauce turns a light orange color.
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir to combine with the sauce.
Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
Add the cooked penne to the skillet with the sauce and toss to coat the pasta evenly.
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and gently toss again until the cheese is melted and well incorporated.
Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
856 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 59.0 g | 76% | |
| Saturated Fat | 29.1 g | 145% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 135 mg | 45% | |
| Sodium | 1882 mg | 82% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 39.8 g | 14% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.7 g | 13% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.6 g | ||
| Protein | 38.1 g | 76% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.6 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 698 mg | 54% | |
| Iron | 2.0 mg | 11% | |
| Potassium | 555 mg | 12% | |
*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.
