Sausage Pasta

There’s something deeply comforting about a big bowl of pasta that’s hearty, saucy, and filling without feeling complicated. This sausage pasta is one of those recipes that fits right into real life. It’s the kind of meal that works on busy evenings, slow Sundays, or chilly nights when you want dinner to feel warm and familiar. It comes together with simple ingredients and doesn’t require any fancy steps. I usually make it while tidying the kitchen or prepping a quick salad on the side. It’s cozy, reliable, and the kind of dish everyone is happy to see on the table.

a delicious plate of sausage pasta on 1

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This recipe checks so many boxes for everyday cooking. It’s rich and flavorful without being heavy, and it feels satisfying after a long day. The ingredients are easy to find and budget-friendly, which makes it great for feeding a family or stretching meals through the week. You can adjust the spice, swap the pasta shape, or add vegetables without changing the heart of the dish. Sausage pasta also reheats well, so leftovers are something to look forward to, not avoid. It’s weeknight-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and cozy enough to earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. This is the kind of meal you’ll want to save and come back to again.

a delicious plate of sausage pasta on

Ingredients

Tip: Use a well-seasoned sausage with good fat content for the best flavor and sauce texture.

  • 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)
  • 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup crushed tomatoes
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil, optional
all the ingredients for sausage pasta arranged

Instructions

Step 1: Preparation
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until just tender. Drain and set aside. While it cooks, dice the onion and mince the garlic so everything is ready to go.

Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Heat olive oil in a wide pan over medium heat. Add the sausage and break it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and fragrant, with crisp edges and no pink left.

Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Add the onion to the pan and cook until soft and lightly golden. Stir in the garlic and let it bloom briefly. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and cream, stirring until the sauce looks smooth and lightly pink.

Step 4: Finishing & Final Simmer
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until fully coated. Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Let everything simmer together for a few minutes until thick and glossy. Finish with Parmesan.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

This meal is simple enough to make after work but comforting enough to feel special. Everything cooks in one pan after the pasta, which keeps cleanup easy. It also stores well, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep. Pinterest-friendly meals like this are great to save for later when you need a no-stress dinner idea that still feels homemade and filling.

Tips & Tricks

  • Brown the sausage properly
    Take your time browning the sausage before adding anything else. Letting it develop color builds flavor into the pan. Stirring too often can prevent browning, so allow it to sit undisturbed for short moments.
  • Salt the pasta water well
    Under-salted pasta can make the whole dish taste flat. The pasta water should taste slightly salty. This small step ensures the pasta itself adds flavor instead of relying only on the sauce.
  • Adjust sauce thickness slowly
    If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of pasta water. If it’s thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes. Making small adjustments prevents overcorrecting and keeps the texture just right.
  • Finish with cheese off the heat
    Adding Parmesan after turning off the heat helps it melt smoothly instead of clumping. Stir gently so it blends into the sauce and adds richness without overpowering the other flavors.

Variations

  • Extra meaty version
    Add cooked bacon or pancetta along with the sausage for a deeper, smoky flavor. Keep portions balanced so the dish doesn’t feel too heavy. This version works well for larger gatherings or when serving hungry eaters.
  • Vegetarian option
    Swap the sausage for a plant-based alternative or sautéed mushrooms. Use plenty of seasoning and a touch of olive oil to build flavor. The creamy tomato sauce still gives the dish a comforting, satisfying feel.
  • Ingredient swap
    Use crushed fire-roasted tomatoes instead of regular for a subtle smoky note. You can also replace cream with half-and-half for a slightly lighter sauce that still feels rich and cozy.
  • Herb and flavor boost
    Stir in fresh basil, parsley, or a pinch of red pepper flakes at the end. These small additions brighten the dish and let you customize it based on your mood or what you have on hand.

Serving Suggestions

  • Simple green salad
    Serve with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with olive oil and vinegar. The freshness balances the richness of the pasta and makes the meal feel complete without adding extra work.
  • Garlic bread on the side
    Warm slices of garlic bread are perfect for scooping up extra sauce. This pairing feels cozy and familiar, especially for family dinners or casual gatherings at home.
  • Family-style presentation
    Serve the pasta in a large bowl at the center of the table with extra cheese nearby. This makes the meal feel relaxed and inviting, encouraging everyone to help themselves.
  • Weeknight comfort plate
    Pair with steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans for a balanced, no-fuss dinner that still feels comforting and satisfying.

Storage Instructions

  • Fridge storage
    Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Let the pasta cool completely before sealing to prevent excess moisture and keep the texture pleasant.
  • Reheating
    Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a small splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce and stir halfway through to heat evenly.
  • Freezing
    This dish can be frozen for up to two months. Freeze in individual portions for easy meals later. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.
  • Make-ahead tips
    You can cook the sauce a day ahead and store it separately. When ready to eat, cook fresh pasta and combine. This keeps everything tasting freshly made.

Recipe Timing

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Rest Time: Not needed
  • Total Time: 35 minutes

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Calories: 520–580 per serving
Protein: 22–26g per serving
This dish also provides calcium from cheese and iron from sausage. Values are estimates and will vary based on specific ingredients, brands, and portion sizes used.

FAQs

Yes, it stores well and tastes great the next day.

Overcooking the pasta can make it mushy when mixed with the sauce.

Absolutely, short pasta shapes work best.

Add a little pasta water or cream and stir gently.

Up to three days in the fridge when stored properly.

Conclusion

This sausage pasta is one of those dependable recipes that fits into everyday life with ease. It’s flexible, comforting, and simple enough to make your own with small changes. Whether you’re cooking for family, saving leftovers for later, or just craving something warm and filling, this dish delivers without extra stress. Keep it in your recipe collection for nights when you want dinner to feel familiar and satisfying. With a few pantry staples and a little time, sausage pasta can become one of those meals you come back to again and again.

Sausage Pasta
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Sausage Pasta

Recipe by Edan SalamonCourse: Pasta Recipes
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

25

minutes
Calories

550

kcal

A cozy, hearty pasta dish made with savory sausage and a creamy tomato sauce. Simple ingredients, easy steps, and comforting flavors make this perfect for weeknight dinners or relaxed family meals.

Ingredients

  • 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)

  • 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 small onion, diced

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 cup crushed tomatoes

  • ½ cup heavy cream

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan

Directions

  • Cook pasta in salted water until just tender. Drain and set aside.
  • Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned.
  • Add onion and cook until soft. Stir in garlic and cook briefly.
  • Pour in crushed tomatoes and cream. Stir until smooth.
  • Add pasta, seasonings, and Parmesan. Stir and simmer a few minutes before serving.

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