Save A rich and comforting pasta dish featuring savory sausage, a creamy tomato sauce, and al dente penne. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe delivers bold flavors with minimal fuss.
I tried this creamy tomato and sausage pasta on a hectic Wednesday evening, and it instantly became a weeknight favorite. The combination of tender pasta and savory sausage always gets rave reviews from my family.
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:
- Boil penne pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente, following package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Brown Sausage:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage, break into pieces with a spoon, and cook until browned (about 4 minutes).
- Sauté Vegetables:
- Add chopped onion and sauté until softened (about 2 minutes). Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Prepare Sauce:
- Pour in crushed tomatoes, Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 3 minutes.
- Add Cream & Simmer:
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream, season with salt and black pepper, and simmer gently for 2 minutes.
- Combine Pasta & Sauce:
- Add drained pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. Add some reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Finish & Serve:
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley.
Save We love making this together on chilly evenings. Watching kids sprinkle cheese and fresh herbs on their bowls creates such a heartwarming dinnertime moment.
Serving Suggestions
Pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread for a complete meal. Add cooked baby spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra nutrition.
Ingredient Swaps
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, or try chicken or turkey sausage instead of pork. Use whole-wheat penne for added fiber.
Nutritional Info
Each serving provides approximately 620 calories, 29 g total fat, 60 g carbohydrates, and 28 g protein.
Save This creamy tomato and sausage pasta delights every time. Quick prep and deep flavor make it a must for weeknight dinners.
Kitchen Guide
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Penne is ideal as its ridges hold the creamy tomato sauce well, but rigatoni or fusilli work nicely too.
- → Can I substitute the Italian sausage?
Yes, chicken or turkey sausage are great leaner alternatives that still provide flavor and texture.
- → How do I make the sauce creamier?
Adding heavy cream or substituting half-and-half will create a richer, smoother sauce consistency.
- → Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely. Baby spinach or sun-dried tomatoes added during sauce simmering boost flavor and nutrition.
- → What herbs complement the sauce?
Traditional Italian herbs like basil, oregano, and parsley enhance the savory depth of the tomato and sausage sauce.
- → How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?
Reserve some pasta cooking water and add a small amount to loosen the sauce while tossing it with pasta.