Penne pasta with sausage

Sometimes, the best meals feel like a warm hug, and that’s exactly what this creamy Penne pasta with sausage is. It’s a classic comfort food that effortlessly bridges the gap between a quick weeknight dinner and a special meal for guests. This foolproof recipe uses a few key tweaks, like adding tomato paste for depth and cream for a luxurious texture, to create something truly special. You’ll love the balance of savory sausage simmered in a rich, velvety tomato cream sauce, all captured perfectly by the penne. It’s hearty, satisfying, and a testament to how simple ingredients can create deeply flavorful food.

Ingredients

• 16 oz penne pasta
• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1½ cups heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

How to Make The Best Penne Pasta with Sausage

Follow these simple steps to bring this delicious dish to your table.

1. Cook the Pasta

Cook penne in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Before draining, reserve about a cup of the starchy pasta water. This is key for the sauce later.

2. Brown the Sausage and Aromatics

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet. Sauté the onion until soft, then add the garlic for another minute until fragrant. Add the sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until completely browned.

3. Build the Rich Tomato Sauce

Stir the tomato paste into the sausage and cook for one minute to deepen its flavor. Then, add the crushed and diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes to let the flavors meld.

4. Combine, Simmer, and Serve

Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth. Add the drained pasta, tossing to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Season to taste, garnish, and serve your Penne pasta with sausage immediately.

My Best Penne pasta with sausage Tips

These small details make a huge difference.

The Pasta Water Secret

Don’t just drain the pasta; the starchy water is an emulsifier that helps the sauce cling to the penne, creating a silkier texture.

Don’t Rush the Browning

Allowing the sausage to get deeply browned creates an incredible depth of flavor. Those browned bits in the pan are packed with taste that will enrich your sauce.

Toast Your Spices

Add dried herbs to the pan with the garlic for about 30 seconds before adding liquids. This “blooms” the spices, making their flavor more vibrant.

Easy Variations of this Sausage Pasta Dish

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. For an even creamier sauce, stir in a quarter cup of cream cheese with the heavy cream. To add more nutrients, toss in a couple of handfuls of fresh spinach at the end until it wilts, or sauté chopped bell peppers with the onion. While classic, you can also substitute the Italian sausage with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version of this Penne pasta with sausage.

If you love sausage-based dishes, check out this comforting Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup. It’s rich, hearty, and packed with bold flavors!

FAQs

How do you cook sausage for pasta?

For the best flavor, remove sausage from its casings and brown it in a skillet, breaking it into crumbles. This renders the fat and seasons the sauce.

What sauce goes well with sausage?

A robust tomato sauce or a rich cream sauce both pair beautifully, as they balance the savory flavor of the sausage.

Should I cook sausage before putting it in the sauce?

Yes, absolutely. Searing the sausage first builds a foundation of flavor that makes the entire dish richer.

Penne pasta with sausage

---

• Author: Emma Hart
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Penne Pasta with Sausage is a delightful combination of al dente penne pasta enveloped in a rich tomato-based sauce, complemented by the savory depth of Italian sausage. This dish is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, making it a comforting meal that’s both hearty and satisfying.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 16 oz penne pasta
• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1½ cups heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish

---

Instructions

• Cook the Pasta

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions.
  • Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

• Brown the Sausage

  • In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces.
  • Cook until browned and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes.
  • Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.

• Sauté the Aromatics

  • In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil if needed.
  • Sauté the chopped onion until translucent, about 3 minutes.
  • Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

• Prepare the Sauce

  • Stir in the tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute to enhance its flavor.
  • Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
  • Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

• Incorporate the Cream and Sausage

  • Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, mixing well until the sauce is creamy and uniform.
  • Return the browned sausage to the skillet, stirring to combine.
  • Let the sauce simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

• Combine Pasta and Sauce

  • Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing to ensure each piece is coated with the sauce.
  • If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.

• Serve

  • Plate the pasta and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped basil or parsley.
  • Serve immediately and enjoy!

See also  Taco cupcakes​

Notes

• Sausage Selection: Opt for high-quality Italian sausage to enhance the dish’s flavor. For a spicier kick, choose hot Italian sausage or add extra red pepper flakes.
• Creamy Variation: For a richer sauce, increase the amount of heavy cream or add a dollop of ricotta cheese before serving.
• Vegetable Additions: Incorporate sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to add nutritional value and texture.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or water to maintain the sauce’s consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: ¼ of the total recipe (about 250g per plate)
• Calories: 664 kcal
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 1714mg
• Fat: 34g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Carbohydrates: 59g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 31g
• Cholesterol: 82mg

Keywords: penne pasta with sausage