This Sausage Pasta recipe embodies the heart of Italian cuisine, blending the rich flavors of Italian sausage with the comforting warmth of a creamy sauce, all wrapped around perfectly cooked pasta. The dish is a testament to the simplicity and elegance of Italian cooking, where a few quality ingredients come together to create a meal that is both satisfying and memorable. The combination of savory sausage, aromatic garlic, and the subtle tang of tomato paste, all enveloped in a rich cream sauce, makes this pasta dish a true delight for the senses.
Ingredients
- : 1 pound (450g) penne or rigatoni
- Sausage: 1 pound (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons
- White Wine: 1/2 cup (125ml) (optional)
- Chicken Stock: 1 cup (250ml)
- Italian Seasoning: 1 tablespoon
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 teaspoon (optional)
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup (250ml)
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup (50g), freshly grated
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne or rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Prepare the Sausage: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Create the Sauce: Add the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. If using white wine, add it now and cook until reduced by half. Then add the chicken stock and Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer and let cook for a few minutes until slightly reduced.
- Finish with Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let cook for about 5 minutes or until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat, adding some reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
Top Tips
- Use Quality Sausage: Choose Italian sausage that is fresh and has good flavor to elevate the dish.
- Don’t Overcook Pasta: Ensure pasta is al dente to maintain texture.
- Adjust Spice Level: Add more red pepper flakes for extra heat or omit for a milder version.
- Reserve Pasta Water: This helps achieve the perfect sauce consistency.
- Experiment with Cheese: Mix Parmesan with other cheeses like mozzarella or ricotta for different flavors.
- Garnish Freshly: Add fresh herbs just before serving to preserve their color and aroma.
Variations
- Spicy Version: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños for an extra kick.
- Mushroom Addition: Sauté sliced mushrooms with garlic before adding the sausage for added depth.
- Tomato Enhancement: Add diced fresh tomatoes or canned crushed tomatoes for a more robust tomato flavor.
- Herb Infusion: Mix in chopped fresh basil or oregano into the sauce for a brighter flavor.
- Protein Swap: Substitute the Italian sausage with chorizo or other spicy sausages for a different twist.
- Vegan Option: Replace sausage with roasted eggplant or zucchini and use vegan cream alternatives.
Nutritional Guide
Servings | Calories | Fat | Carbohydrates | Protein |
---|---|---|---|---|
4 | 550 | 35g | 40g | 30g |
Additional nutritional notes: This Sausage Pasta recipe is rich in protein from the sausage and cheese, making it a satisfying meal. The heavy cream adds a significant amount of fat, but using less or substituting with lighter alternatives can reduce this. The dish is also a good source of carbohydrates from the pasta, providing energy. For a healthier version, consider reducing the cream or adding more vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers.
