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sausage pasta

sausage pasta

This easy sausage pasta recipe combines juicy Italian sausage, creamy sauce, and tender noodles for the perfect family dinner. It’s rich, flavorful, and ready in just 30 minutes — an ideal option for busy weeknights or budget-friendly meals.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 oz pasta penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti
  • 1 lb Italian sausage sweet, mild, or spicy
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 1 can 14 oz crushed tomatoes or ½ cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley chopped (for garnish)
  • Optional: red pepper flakes for spice

Method
 

  1. Cook the Pasta:
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
  3. Cook the Sausage:
  4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage (remove casing if necessary). Break it into small pieces and cook until browned.
  5. Add Aromatics:
  6. Stir in the onion and garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  7. Prepare the Sauce:
  8. Add crushed tomatoes (or cream for a creamy version) and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5–10 minutes until slightly thickened.
  9. Combine:
  10. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Add a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
  11. Finish and Serve:
  12. Stir in Parmesan cheese, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve hot.

Notes

  • Use ground Italian sausage for faster cooking.
  • Swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt for a healthy dinner idea.
  • For cheap dinners for a family, double the pasta amount and add veggies like spinach or zucchini.
  • Works perfectly as a sausage and noodle recipe using egg noodles or fettuccine.