Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe

Pasta is one of the most beloved dishes in the world, with endless variations that can suit any palate or dietary preference. Whether it’s a simple olive oil and garlic-based pasta or a rich, creamy Alfredo, there’s no shortage of delicious pasta recipes. But if you’re craving something with a little more kick, Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta is the perfect choice.

This dish combines the smoky, spicy flavor of Italian sausage with the heartiness of pasta, topped with a rich and flavorful sauce. It’s a dish that balances heat with savory depth, all while being incredibly satisfying and easy to make. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta will quickly become a favorite in your meal rotation.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling the pasta. Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once the water is boiling, add your pasta and cook it according to the package instructions, typically for 8-10 minutes or until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together.

Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water and then drain the pasta in a strainer. Set it aside while you make the sauce.

Step 2: Cook the Italian Sausage

While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the spicy Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Sauté the sausage until it’s browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly.

Once the sausage is browned, transfer it to a plate and set it aside. This will help keep the sausage tender and prevent it from becoming overcooked.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed, then add the chopped onion and red bell pepper. Sauté the vegetables over medium heat for about 5 minutes or until they’ve softened and the onions are translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent the garlic from burning.

The aroma of the sautéed vegetables and garlic will fill your kitchen, setting the stage for the flavorful sauce that’s about to come together.

Step 4: Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings

Now that your aromatics are ready, it’s time to build the base of the sauce. Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices) to the pan, along with the tomato sauce. Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to add flavor to the sauce.

Season with 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (or more if you want it spicier), 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon of dried basil. These herbs and spices will give the sauce a classic Italian flavor profile with a bit of heat from the red pepper flakes.

Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Add the Cream and Parmesan Cheese

Once the sauce has thickened, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream to add richness and smooth out the spiciness of the sauce. Stir well to combine, and let the sauce simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.

Next, add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts into the sauce, creating a creamy, cheesy base. Taste the sauce, and if needed, adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to suit your taste.

Step 6: Combine the Sausage and Pasta

Now that the sauce is ready, add the cooked sausage back into the skillet, stirring it into the sauce. Let it cook together for another 2-3 minutes so the sausage can absorb some of the sauce flavors.

Finally, add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together to coat the pasta with the spicy, creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little of the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen it up.

Step 7: Serve the Pasta

Once everything is well combined, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta immediately, garnishing with freshly chopped basil or parsley for color and freshness. Add extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like more heat.

Tips for Success

1. Use Good Quality Sausage: The sausage is the star of this dish, so using high-quality, flavorful Italian sausage will make a big difference. If you like it extra spicy, look for sausages labeled as “hot” or “spicy.”

2. Balance the Heat: If you prefer a milder version, use less red pepper flakes or opt for a milder sausage. You can always add more heat later, but you can’t take it out once it’s in the dish.

3. Customize the Sauce: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms to the sauce for extra flavor and texture. Just sauté them with the onions and bell peppers in Step 3.

4. Make It Ahead: This pasta dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat it in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce.

5. Add More Cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add more Parmesan, or even some shredded mozzarella, on top of the pasta before serving for an extra cheesy touch.

6. Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

Variations

While the base of this dish is delicious on its own, here are a few variations you can try to make it your own:

1. Creamy Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta

For a richer, creamier sauce, increase the amount of heavy cream to 1/2 cup. You can even add a bit of cream cheese or mascarpone cheese to make it even more luxurious.

2. Vegetarian Version

If you prefer a vegetarian dish, you can swap the spicy Italian sausage for vegetarian sausage or plant-based sausage. You can also try using lentils or chopped mushrooms for a hearty, meatless version.

3. Add a Tomato Basil Sauce

For a more traditional Italian flavor, you can replace the heavy cream with more tomato sauce and a bit of tomato paste. This will give the dish a thicker, more classic marinara-style sauce.

4. Spicy Sausage and Shrimp Pasta

If you like the combination of seafood and sausage, you can add shrimp to the pasta. Sauté the shrimp in the same skillet as the sausage, or add it just before combining the sausage and pasta for a seafood twist.

Final Thoughts

Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta is a perfect balance of bold flavors, creamy texture, and a little heat. It’s the kind of dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table, whether they’re spice enthusiasts or simply looking for a hearty, satisfying meal. With easy-to-find ingredients and simple steps, this recipe is perfect for any night of the week.

Yield: 4

Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe

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Pasta is one of the most beloved dishes in the world, with endless variations that can suit any palate or dietary preference. Whether it’s a simple olive oil and garlic-based pasta or a rich, creamy Alfredo, there’s no shortage of delicious pasta recipes. But if you’re craving something with a little more kick, Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta is the perfect choice.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) spicy Italian sausage (you can use ground or in casings, remove the casing if needed)
• 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti works well)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional for a creamy sauce)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste for spice level)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional for serving)

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
2. Cook the sausage: While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage (breaking it up with a spoon if using ground sausage) and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the aromatics: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add tomatoes and seasonings: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, red pepper flakes, oregano, and basil. Stir well to combine. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
5. Add cream (optional): If you want a creamy sauce, stir in the heavy cream and let it cook for 2-3 more minutes until the sauce is rich and smooth.
6. Combine sausage and pasta: Add the cooked sausage back into the skillet, stirring to combine. Then, add the drained pasta and toss it all together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen up the sauce and make it coat the pasta well.
7. Serve: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley. Top with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Notes

If you like more heat, add extra red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce.

You can swap the spicy sausage for mild sausage if you prefer less heat or use a combination of both for balance.

For added flavor, sauté some bell peppers along with the onions, or throw in some spinach or kale for extra greens.