Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta
Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta is bold, comforting, and packed with irresistible flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pasta (rigatoni or penne)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes or marinara
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions; reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown sausage, breaking it up, 5–6 minutes.
- Add onion and cook until soft, then stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour in tomatoes and cream; simmer 4–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in parmesan, then add pasta. Toss, adding pasta water as needed.
- Season to taste and garnish with herbs before serving.
Notes
- Use sweet Italian sausage for less heat.
Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta is bold, comforting, and packed with irresistible flavor. Savory sausage brings heat and richness, while a creamy tomato sauce mellows the spice and coats every piece of pasta. Garlic, onion, and Italian herbs build a deep, aromatic base, and a generous sprinkle of parmesan ties everything together with salty, nutty balance.
This dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you’re craving something hearty and satisfying. The spice level is easy to adjust, whether you like a gentle kick or full-on heat. Serve it with garlic bread or a crisp green salad to round out the meal. Leftovers reheat beautifully, with flavors that deepen overnight. Cozy yet punchy, this pasta is a crowd-pleaser that delivers restaurant-style comfort straight from your own kitchen.
