Spicy Sausage Tomato Pasta is a flavorful and hearty dish that combines spicy Italian sausage with a rich tomato sauce, perfect for a comforting dinner. This recipe is quick to prepare and packs a punch of flavor!

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 12 ounces pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your choice)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 1 pound spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice level)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for creaminess)
• Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Timing

Making the Spicy Sausage Tomato Pasta takes about 10 minutes for preparation and 20-25 minutes for cooking.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

1. Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil.
2. Cook Sausage: Add the spicy Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add Onion and Garlic: Stir in the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add Tomatoes: Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato paste, red pepper flakes, oregano, and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. Add Cream (Optional): If using, stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce

1. Mix Together: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 4: Serve

1. Garnish: Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of the Spicy Sausage Tomato Pasta (per serving, based on 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	550
Protein	25g
Fat	25g
Carbohydrates	60g
Fiber	3g
Sugar	5g

Tips for Customization

• Protein Variations: Substitute spicy sausage with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Vegetable Additions: Add bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini for extra nutrition and color.
• Herbs and Spices: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice preference, or add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for additional flavor.

Conclusion

Spicy Sausage Tomato Pasta is a quick and satisfying dish that brings together the bold flavors of spicy sausage and a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite! Enjoy this delightful recipe!