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Spicy Sausage Pasta

Spicy Sausage Pasta
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Spicy Sausage Pasta is a vibrant, hearty dish combining the bold kick of spicy Italian sausage with al dente penne or rigatoni pasta, all simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce. Quick to prepare and easily customizable for heat levels and dietary preferences, this meal delivers warmth, excitement, and comforting flavors in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 12 ounces spicy Italian sausage (casings removed)
  • 8 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
  • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1/2 to 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Brown the Sausage: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the spicy Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned evenly and cooked through, releasing rich flavors and aromas.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the browned sausage in the skillet. Cook, stirring often, until the onion is soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Build the Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes to your preferred heat level. Stir well and reduce heat to low, allowing the sauce to gently simmer while the pasta cooks.
  4. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne or rigatoni pasta and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
  5. Combine and Finish: Mix the cooked pasta into the sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce is too thick, until you reach desired consistency. Tear fresh basil leaves into the pasta and sprinkle a generous amount of Parmesan cheese on top before serving.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the pasta; al dente texture is best for this dish.
  • Use a high-quality spicy Italian sausage for the best flavor impact.
  • Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes gradually to control the heat.
  • Reserve some pasta water to create a silky, well-blended sauce.
  • Add fresh basil at the end to keep its flavor bright and fresh.

Nutrition

Keywords: spicy sausage pasta, Italian sausage pasta, spicy pasta recipe, quick pasta dinner, hearty pasta dish

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/spicy-sausage-pasta/