Sausage Tomato Pasta That Warms You Up in Every Bite

Whipping up a hearty sausage tomato pasta can turn an ordinary evening into a culinary adventure.

Savory Italian sausage mingles with ripe, juicy tomatoes to create a mouthwatering melody of flavors.

Mediterranean ingredients dance together in this simple yet impressive dish.

Comfort meets excitement on your plate with each perfectly twirled forkful.

Home cooks love how quickly this recipe comes together without complicated techniques.

Weeknight dinner just got a delicious upgrade that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Sausage Tomato Pasta That Hits Bold And Satisfying Notes

• Conquer Weeknight Dinners: This sausage tomato pasta recipe transforms busy evenings into delicious adventures.
• Simplify Cooking Process: One-pan meal reduces kitchen cleanup, allowing faster preparation with minimal dishes and maximum flavor.
• Quick Family Feast: Ready in under 30 minutes, this hearty pasta satisfies hungry family members with its rich, creamy sauce and comforting ingredients.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Professional-tasting dish delivers gourmet experience without expensive dining out, using accessible ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques.

Pasta and Sausage Tomato Sauce Base

• Pasta: Classic base for the dish, best when cooked al dente, can use penne or spaghetti.

• Sausage, Onion, Garlic: Savory meat and flavor enhancers, choose Italian sausage for best taste, fresh ingredients provide depth.

• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce: Rich, tangy base for sauce, use canned San Marzano tomatoes for authentic flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Creates smooth, luxurious sauce texture, full-fat version recommended.
• Fresh Basil: Adds bright, herbal notes, use fresh leaves for maximum flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides salty, umami finish, freshly grated preferred over pre-packaged.

• Salt: Essential for seasoning pasta water and balancing flavors.

• Crusty Garlic Bread: Complements pasta dish, perfect for soaking up sauce.

Sausage Tomato Pasta Cooking Steps

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt.

Drop the pasta into the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until it reaches that perfect al dente texture.

The pasta should have a slight bite when you taste it.

Once cooked, drain the pasta but reserve a small cup of pasta water for later.

Step 2: Sizzle the Sausage

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Crumble the sausage into the pan, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.

Allow the meat to brown beautifully, developing a rich golden color and releasing its delicious flavors.

Step 3: Enhance with Aromatics

• Finely chopped onion
• Minced garlic

Sauté these ingredients until the onions become translucent and soft, creating a fragrant base for your sauce.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce

Stir everything together and let the mixture simmer, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.

Step 5: Cream and Simmer

Splash in the heavy cream, stirring to create a luxurious, velvety sauce.

Let the mixture simmer gently, reducing slightly until it reaches your desired consistency.

The sauce should coat the back of a spoon beautifully.

Step 6: Add Fresh Herbs

Sprinkle in fresh basil leaves, tearing them slightly to release their aromatic oils.

Let the sauce simmer for a few more minutes to infuse the herb’s flavor throughout.

Step 7: Combine and Finish

Gently fold the cooked pasta into the sausage sauce.

If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Toss until every pasta strand is gloriously coated.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the pasta to serving plates.

Generously sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top.

Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Step 9: Complete the Meal

Serve alongside warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up every last bit of the delicious sauce.

Enjoy your restaurant-worthy meal right at home!

Pasta Tips For Savory Sausage Tomato Sauce

• Opt for low-sodium sausage to control salt intake and create a healthier version of this delicious pasta dish.
• Swap spicy Italian sausage for mild versions or mix both to create a personalized heat profile that suits your taste preferences.
• Add a splash of pasta water when mixing sauce with pasta to help create a smoother, more cohesive coating and prevent dryness.
• Replace sausage with plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu, mushrooms, or vegetarian sausage to accommodate different dietary needs.
• Cook pasta just until tender with a slight bite to prevent mushy texture and ensure the best possible pasta experience.

How to Reheat Sausage Tomato Pasta Without Overcooking

• Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Let the dish cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add a splash of water or cream to restore sauce moisture and prevent dryness.
• Gently reheat the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. This method helps maintain the sauce's creamy texture and prevents sauce separation.
• This cream-based pasta doesn't freeze well, as the sauce can separate and become grainy when thawed. Best to enjoy within a few days of cooking.

Tomato Sides For Sausage Pasta

• Select a Robust Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that cuts through the creamy, rich sauce and complements the spicy sausage flavors.
• Craft a Fresh Side Salad: Toss together a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the hearty pasta's richness and provide a zesty, light contrast.
• Enhance with Garlic Bread Crunch: Serve warm, buttery garlic bread alongside the pasta to soak up the delicious sauce and add a satisfying textural element to the meal.
• Complement with Chilled Italian Beer: Opt for a crisp, light Italian lager like Peroni or Nastro Azzurro that refreshes the palate between bites of the creamy, savory pasta.

Savory Flavors for Sausage Tomato Pasta

• Vegetarian Pasta Delight: Replace sausage with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free version. Use vegetable broth instead of cream for a lighter sauce.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a similar savory flavor.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce. Use spicy Italian sausage or chorizo for an extra bold flavor profile.

FAQs

• What type of sausage works best for this recipe?

Italian sausage is ideal, either mild or spicy, depending on your preference. Ground pork sausage or turkey sausage can also work well.

• Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, replace heavy cream with coconut milk or dairy-free cream alternatives. You can also use cashew cream for a similar rich texture.

• How can I make this pasta dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes while cooking the sausage or use hot Italian sausage. You can also include a dash of cayenne pepper to increase the heat level.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This pasta dish reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The flavors often develop and become more intense after sitting overnight.

Sausage Tomato Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sausage tomato pasta blends Italian comfort with zesty flavors, creating a quick weeknight dinner sensation. Hearty sausage, ripe tomatoes, and aromatic herbs dance together, promising you a delicious escape on a plate.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground Italian sausage
• (Ground beef can also be used)

Pasta and Vegetables:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) penne pasta
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1 (16-ounce/454 grams) can Italian-style diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (8-ounce/227 grams) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 56 large leaves fresh basil, chopped
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for topping
• Fresh basil, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Bring a generously salted pot of water to a rolling boil and cook pasta until perfectly tender, following package instructions for ideal texture.
2. In a spacious skillet, render the sausage over medium heat, breaking it into crumbly pieces and allowing it to develop a rich, golden-brown exterior.
3. Introduce finely diced onions and minced garlic to the sizzling sausage, sautéing until the aromatics become translucent and fragrant.
4. Cascade diced tomatoes and tomato sauce into the skillet, stirring to integrate all components and create a vibrant, rustic foundation.
5. Stream heavy cream into the bubbling mixture, reducing heat to allow the sauce to gently thicken and develop a luxurious, velvety consistency.
6. Scatter fresh basil leaves into the sauce, letting them infuse their herbaceous essence while the mixture simmers softly.
7. Transfer the perfectly cooked pasta directly into the skillet, tossing thoroughly to ensure each strand is lavishly coated with the robust sauce.
8. Plate the pasta with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and additional torn basil leaves for a restaurant-quality presentation.
9. Accompany the dish with warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up every last drop of the magnificent sauce.

Notes

• Master the pasta cooking by testing for al dente texture, which means firm but not hard, ensuring perfect pasta consistency every time.
• Swap traditional pork sausage with turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner protein option that maintains rich flavor profile.
• Control sauce thickness by adjusting cream quantity and simmering time, allowing you to customize the dish’s richness according to preference.
• Enhance vegetable intake by adding spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers directly into the sauce for extra nutrition and color contrast.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 724
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 810 mg
• Fat: 42 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg