This easy sausage pasta recipe brings together the rich flavors of sausage and tomato sauce in a comforting dish that's perfect for any night of the week. Simple, hearty, and bursting with flavor, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Photos of Easy Sausage Pasta Recipe
Some ingredients you might not usually have at home include sausage and dried basil. When heading to the supermarket, make sure to get fresh sausage from the meat section and dried basil from the spice aisle. These components are crucial for achieving the dish’s depth of flavor.
Ingredients For Easy Sausage Pasta Recipe
Olive oil: Used for sautéing the onion and sausage, adding richness to the dish.
Onion: Provides a sweet and savory base flavor for the sauce.
Sausage: Adds a rich, meaty flavor that's central to the dish.
Red pepper flakes: Adds a hint of heat to elevate the sauce.
Black pepper: Provides a subtle spice, balancing the flavors.
Crushed tomatoes: Forms the bulk of the sauce, offering a rich tomato flavor.
Garlic: Infuses the sauce with its characteristic pungent aroma and flavor.
Oregano: Adds a warm, slightly bitter flavor to the sauce.
Dried basil: Adds a sweet, earthy flavor that complements the tomatoes and sausage.
Penne pasta: The pasta shape that holds the sauce well, providing a satisfying bite.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finish when grated over the dish.
One reader, Ebba Lockett says:
This easy sausage pasta recipe is a game-changer! The flavors meld beautifully, and the hint of red pepper flakes adds a perfect kick. The slow-cooked sauce is rich and delicious. It's a comforting, hearty meal that's simple to make. Highly recommend!
Key Techniques for Making Sausage Pasta
How to mince garlic: Finely chop the garlic cloves into small pieces using a knife. How to sear sausage: Cook the sausage in a hot pan until the outside is browned and caramelized. How to boil pasta: Bring water to a rapid boil, add pasta, and cook until al dente, then strain.
How To Make Easy Sausage Pasta
Have a hearty and savory meal with this recipe for sausage pasta. It has the meaty goodness of sausages blended with a rich tomato-based sauce.
Serves:
Ingredients
- olive oil,to taste
- 1onion,finely diced
- 4sausage,halves
- ½tspred pepper flakes
- ½tspblack pepper
- 3canscrushed tomatoes
- 4clovesgarlic,minced
- 1tsporegano
- 1tbspdried basil,divided
- 1tspdried basil,divided
- ½bagpenne pasta
- ⅙blockparmesan cheese
Instructions
-
Heat up a 2-liter pot and pour in a little olive oil. Put onion and sausage in the pot once the pot is heated up. Add red pepper flakes and black pepper.
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Once the sausage is seared, pour in 3 cans of crushed tomatoes. Pour in ½ cup of water. Add the minced cloves of garlic. Add oregano and 1 tablespoon basil. Let cook on low heat for 1 hour and a half.
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Heat up some water to a rapid boil in another pot. Add the penne pasta. Once cooked strain the pasta.
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Serve both pasta and sauce into a shallow bowl with a sausage half and top with Parmesan and basil.
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Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 262.16kcal
- Fat: 13.09g
- Saturated Fat: 3.04g
- Trans Fat: 0.03g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6.74g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.13g
- Carbohydrates: 31.36g
- Fiber: 7.62g
- Sugar: 16.69g
- Protein: 10.89g
- Cholesterol: 18.30mg
- Sodium: 836.99mg
- Calcium: 166.13mg
- Potassium: 1165.52mg
- Iron: 5.63mg
- Vitamin A: 48.47µg
- Vitamin C: 34.60mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Perfect Sausage Pasta
To enhance the flavor of the sausage, consider browning it in the pot before adding the onion. This will create a deeper, more complex taste in your pasta sauce.
Time-Saving Tips for Easy Sausage Pasta Recipe
Prepare ingredients in advance: Chop the onion and mince the garlic ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.
Use pre-cooked sausage: Opt for pre-cooked sausage to reduce cooking time.
Simmer sauce while boiling pasta: Cook the sauce and pasta simultaneously to save time.
Use a food processor: Quickly mince garlic and chop onion using a food processor.
Pre-measure spices: Measure out red pepper flakes, black pepper, oregano, and basil before starting to cook.
Substitute Ingredients For Easy Sausage Pasta Recipe
olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and a similar smoke point, making it a good alternative for cooking.
1 onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and sweeter flavor, which can add a different but pleasant taste to the dish.
4 sausage - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and can be seasoned to mimic the flavor of sausage.
½ tsp red pepper flakes - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper provides a similar level of heat and can be used in smaller quantities.
½ tsp black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a slightly different flavor but can still provide the necessary heat and spice.
3 cans crushed tomatoes - Substitute with fresh tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes can be blended to create a similar texture and provide a fresher taste.
4 cloves garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in a pinch, though it lacks the fresh, pungent flavor of cloves.
1 tsp oregano - Substitute with thyme: Thyme has a different but complementary flavor that can work well in pasta dishes.
1 tbsp dried basil - Substitute with fresh basil: Fresh basil has a more vibrant flavor and can be used in larger quantities to match the intensity of dried basil.
1 tsp dried basil - Substitute with fresh basil: Fresh basil can be used again here, providing a consistent flavor profile throughout the dish.
½ bag penne pasta - Substitute with fusilli pasta: Fusilli has a similar cooking time and texture, making it a good alternative for pasta dishes.
⅙ block parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino romano: Pecorino Romano is a hard cheese with a similar texture and a slightly saltier flavor, which can enhance the dish.
Presenting Your Delicious Sausage Pasta Dish
Serve smaller portion sizes: Present a modest portion of penne pasta and sausage to ensure the dish looks refined and elegant.
Use decoration: Garnish with a sprig of fresh basil and a light dusting of grated parmesan cheese for a visually appealing touch.
Layer the ingredients: Place a bed of penne pasta on the plate, then carefully spoon the tomato sauce over it, ensuring an even distribution.
Highlight the sausage: Slice the sausage diagonally and arrange it artfully on top of the pasta to showcase its texture and color.
Use a shallow bowl: Serve the dish in a shallow bowl to contain the sauce and create a cohesive presentation.
Add a drizzle of olive oil: Finish with a light drizzle of olive oil around the edge of the plate for a touch of elegance and added flavor.
Incorporate height: Stack the sausage slices slightly to add height and dimension to the presentation.
Balance colors: Ensure a balance of colors on the plate by using the red tomato sauce, green basil, and white parmesan cheese.
Clean the edges: Wipe the edges of the plate clean before serving to maintain a professional and polished look.
Serve immediately: Present the dish while it is hot to ensure the best texture and flavor experience for the judges.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Sausage Pasta
2-liter pot: Used to cook the sausage, onions, and sauce. It should be large enough to hold all the ingredients and allow them to simmer.
Olive oil: Used for sautéing the onions and sausage. It helps to prevent sticking and adds flavor.
Knife: Essential for chopping the onion and mincing the garlic.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping the onion and mincing the garlic.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the ingredients in the pot without scratching its surface.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the red pepper flakes, black pepper, oregano, and basil accurately.
Can opener: Necessary for opening the cans of crushed tomatoes.
Garlic press: Useful for mincing the garlic cloves quickly and efficiently.
Large pot: Used to boil the penne pasta. It should be large enough to allow the pasta to cook evenly.
Colander: Used to strain the cooked pasta, removing the water.
Shallow bowl: For serving the pasta and sauce, providing a nice presentation.
Grater: Used to grate the parmesan cheese for topping the dish.
Measuring cup: Used to measure the ½ cup of water to add to the sauce.
Storing and Freezing Your Sausage Pasta Dish
Allow the pasta to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent the pasta from becoming mushy and overcooked.
To store leftovers in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled pasta and sauce to an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
If you have a large batch of pasta and sauce, consider freezing the extras for a quick and easy meal later on:
- Divide the cooled pasta and sauce into individual portions in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags.
- Squeeze out as much air as possible from the bags to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Frozen pasta and sauce will keep well for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat frozen pasta, transfer the desired portion to a microwave-safe dish and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat the pasta and sauce in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently, until warmed through.
If the sauce appears too thick after reheating, add a splash of water or chicken broth to thin it out and improve the consistency.
For best results, avoid freezing the pasta and sauce together, as the pasta may become mushy upon reheating. Instead, freeze them separately and combine them when reheating.
How To Reheat Leftover Sausage Pasta
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover easy sausage pasta to an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Place the dish in the preheated oven and reheat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the pasta is heated through and the sauce is bubbling. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of reheating to allow the top to brown slightly.
For a quicker option, reheat the easy sausage pasta in the microwave. Transfer the pasta to a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the pasta is heated through. If needed, add a splash of water or olive oil to prevent the pasta from drying out.
If you have a stovetop available, reheat the easy sausage pasta in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add a small amount of water or olive oil to the pan to prevent sticking and help reconstitute the sauce. Stir the pasta frequently until it is heated through, about 5-7 minutes. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more water or olive oil to achieve the desired consistency.
For a crispy twist, reheat the easy sausage pasta in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil to the pan and wait until it shimmers. Add the leftover pasta and spread it out in an even layer. Allow the pasta to crisp up on the bottom for 2-3 minutes before stirring. Continue cooking and stirring until the pasta is heated through and has developed a slight crispiness on the edges.
Interesting Fact About Sausage Pasta
A fun fact about this sausage pasta recipe is that the combination of crushed tomatoes and garlic creates a rich, flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with the penne pasta. The red pepper flakes add a subtle heat, making the dish more dynamic and exciting.
Budget-Friendly Sausage Pasta for Home Cooking
This easy sausage pasta recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Using basic ingredients like onion, sausage, crushed tomatoes, and penne pasta, it leverages pantry staples and affordable proteins. The addition of garlic, oregano, and basil enhances flavor without breaking the bank. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20 USD. Overall Verdict: 8/10.
Is This Sausage Pasta Recipe Healthy?
This sausage pasta recipe, while delicious, leans more towards the unhealthy side due to a few factors:
- The use of sausage, which is often high in saturated fat and sodium
- The large amount of crushed tomatoes, which can contribute to a high sugar content
- The addition of parmesan cheese, which is high in saturated fat and sodium
- The use of refined penne pasta, which is low in fiber and nutrients compared to whole grain alternatives
However, the recipe does include some healthy ingredients, such as onion, garlic, and herbs, which provide beneficial nutrients and flavors.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Opt for a leaner sausage option, such as turkey or chicken sausage, to reduce the saturated fat content
- Use a smaller amount of sausage and increase the proportion of vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms, to boost the nutrient content and lower the overall calorie density
- Choose a whole grain pasta variety to increase the fiber and nutrient content of the dish
- Reduce the amount of parmesan cheese used, or opt for a lower-fat alternative, such as a sprinkle of nutritional yeast
- Use fresh tomatoes instead of canned, or choose a low-sodium variety to reduce the sugar and salt content
- Increase the amount of herbs and spices used to add flavor without relying on excessive amounts of cheese or salt
Editor's Opinion on This Sausage Pasta Recipe
This sausage pasta recipe is straightforward and hearty, perfect for a cozy meal. The combination of spices and herbs, particularly the red pepper flakes and basil, adds depth and warmth to the dish. However, the recipe could benefit from fresh basil instead of dried for a more vibrant flavor. Also, consider using freshly grated Parmesan for a richer taste. The long simmering time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making the sauce robust and savory. Overall, it's a solid, comforting dish that is easy to prepare and sure to please.
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Why trust this Easy Sausage Pasta Recipe:
This recipe is a must-try because it combines the rich flavors of sausage and crushed tomatoes with aromatic garlic and basil. The slow-cooked sauce ensures a depth of flavor that is both comforting and satisfying. Using penne pasta allows the sauce to cling perfectly to each piece, making every bite delightful. Topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Trust this recipe for its simplicity and the harmonious blend of ingredients that create a delicious, hearty meal.
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