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sausage and tomato pasta

sausage and tomato pasta

This hearty sausage and tomato pasta combines savory sausage, rich tomato sauce, and tender pasta for the ultimate comfort meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it’s versatile enough to make with Italian sausage, chicken sausage, or even smoked sausage.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz 340 g pasta (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti)
  • 1 lb 450 g Italian sausage (or chicken sausage, sliced or crumbled)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 red bell pepper sliced (optional)
  • 1 can 14 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • ½ cup heavy cream optional for creamy version
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley chopped (for garnish)
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Method
 

  1. Cook Pasta:
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
  3. Cook Sausage:
  4. Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add sausage, cook until browned and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
  5. Sauté Aromatics:
  6. In the same skillet, sauté onion, garlic, and red bell pepper until softened.
  7. Build the Sauce:
  8. Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 10 minutes.
  9. Combine Everything:
  10. Return sausage to the skillet. Add cream (if using), then stir in pasta. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water if needed.
  11. Serve:
  12. Garnish with basil or parsley and top with Parmesan cheese. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Sausage options: Use Italian, smoked, or chicken sausage for variety.
  • Creamy version: Add cream cheese or mascarpone instead of heavy cream.
  • Vegetable boost: Add spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water or cream.