Save A rich and comforting pasta dish featuring savory sausage, a creamy tomato sauce, and al dente penne, perfect for busy weeknights.
I first made this Creamy Tomato and Sausage Pasta after a long day at work, and it quickly became my go-to meal for its simplicity and how satisfying it is. The combination of silky sauce and hearty sausage won over my family instantly.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 350 g (12 oz) penne pasta
- Meats: 300 g (10 oz) Italian sausage, casings removed; 1 tbsp olive oil
- Vegetables & Aromatics: 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Sauce: 400 g (14 oz) canned crushed tomatoes; 120 ml (1/2 cup) heavy cream; 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, or mixed); 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Cheese & Garnish: 40 g (1/3 cup) grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook pasta:
- Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Brown sausage:
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 4 minutes.
- Sauté vegetables:
- Add chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 2 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the sauce:
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 3 minutes.
- Finish the sauce:
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream, season with salt and black pepper, and let the sauce simmer gently for 2 minutes.
- Combine pasta and sauce:
- Add the drained pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. Add some reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Add cheese and serve:
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley.
Save My kids always ask for seconds whenever I serve this, and it has become a dinner we all look forward to sharing together on chilly evenings.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, wooden spoon or spatula, knife and cutting board, cheese grater
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), dairy (Parmesan, cream), and pork (if using traditional Italian sausage). Some cheeses may contain traces of nuts, so always check the labels for possible allergens.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 620, Total Fat: 29 g, Carbohydrates: 60 g, Protein: 28 g
Save This pasta is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy every creamy, comforting bite!
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use other types of pasta for this dish?
Yes, fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle work well as they hold the sauce nicely.
- → How can I make the sauce less rich?
Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter texture without losing creaminess.
- → Is it possible to add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely. Baby spinach or sun-dried tomatoes can be stirred into the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
- → What is the best way to brown the sausage evenly?
Cook sausage in olive oil over medium-high heat, breaking it up and stirring frequently until browned all over.
- → Can I prepare this dish in advance?
You can prepare the sauce ahead and toss with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve for best texture.