Description
A rich and hearty Italian sausage pasta that combines savory sausage, aromatic herbs, and a creamy tomato sauce for a comforting, restaurant-style meal. Perfect for weeknights yet impressive enough for guests, this dish delivers bold flavor in under an hour. Every bite brings you the warmth of Italy — smoky sausage, silky sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional for creamy version)
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage, breaking it apart, and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant. Add bell pepper and cook until tender.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Return sausage to the pan and cook for 10 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and half the Parmesan, if using.
- Cook pasta until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
- Add pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. Add pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Serve hot, topped with remaining Parmesan and chopped parsley.
Notes
For a smoky twist, add a dash of smoked paprika. You can also stir in spinach or kale for extra nutrition. Always finish with a drizzle of olive oil for a silky finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520