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
- 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!
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