Save A rich and comforting pasta dish featuring savory sausage, a creamy tomato sauce, and al dente penne perfect for busy weeknights.
I first made this pasta for my family when we needed something hearty and quick on a busy Thursday night. Everyone loved how the sausage flavors melded with the creamy tomato sauce.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 350 g (12 oz) penne pasta
- Meats: 300 g (10 oz) Italian sausage, casings removed; 1 tbsp olive oil
- Vegetables & Aromatics: 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Sauce: 400 g (14 oz) canned crushed tomatoes; 120 ml (1/2 cup) heavy cream; 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, or mixed); 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Cheese & Garnish: 40 g (1/3 cup) grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta:
- Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water then drain.
- Brown Sausage:
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned about 4 minutes.
- Sauté Aromatics:
- Add chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until softened about 2 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Simmer Sauce:
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 3 minutes.
- Add Cream:
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream, season with salt and black pepper, and let the sauce simmer gently for 2 minutes.
- Combine Pasta & Sauce:
- Add the drained pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. Add some reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Finish & Serve:
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot garnished with fresh basil or parsley.
Save This recipe is now a weeknight staple at our house, especially when we want a comfort meal everyone will actually finish.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, wooden spoon or spatula, knife and cutting board, cheese grater
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), dairy (Parmesan, cream) and may contain traces of nuts if present in cheese. Contains pork if using traditional Italian sausage. Always check sausage and cheese labels for specific allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 620, Total Fat: 29 g, Carbohydrates: 60 g, Protein: 28 g per serving
Save Enjoy creamy tomato and sausage pasta hot out of the skillet for maximum flavor. Leftovers reheat well for lunch the next day.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of sausage works best in this dish?
Italian sausage with the casing removed provides the perfect savory flavor and texture, but chicken or turkey sausage can be used for a leaner option.
- → Can I use a different pasta shape?
Penne works well because it holds the creamy sauce nicely, but other short pasta like rigatoni or fusilli are good alternatives.
- → How can I make the sauce creamier or lighter?
For a creamier sauce, add a bit more heavy cream or substitute half-and-half for a lighter texture without losing richness.
- → Is it possible to add vegetables to this preparation?
Yes, adding baby spinach or sun-dried tomatoes during sauce simmering boosts flavor and nutrition without overpowering the dish.
- → How should I adjust seasoning for spice preferences?
Red pepper flakes add a mild heat but can be omitted or increased to tailor spiciness according to your liking.