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 on a hectic Thursday night. It came together so fast that my kids barely had time to ask "what's for dinner?" before the house was filled with delicious aromas.
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
- Boil 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.
- Add Aromatics:
- Add chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 2 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Simmer Sauce:
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 3 minutes.
- Add Cream:
- 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 & Sauce:
- Add the drained pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. Add some reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Finish & Serve:
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley.
Save Whenever I serve this creamy pasta, everyone gathers around the table a little faster. It's become a favorite for cozy nights when we all want something comforting and special.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, wooden spoon or spatula, knife and cutting board, cheese grater.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 620, Total Fat: 29 g, Carbohydrates: 60 g, Protein: 28 g.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream. Try with chicken or turkey sausage for a leaner option or add baby spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra nutrition. It pairs well with a crisp green salad and garlic bread.
Save Enjoy this creamy tomato and sausage pasta hot, and savor every bite. There's comfort in every forkful.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Penne pasta holds the sauce well due to its tube shape, providing a perfect balance of texture and flavor in every bite.
- → Can I substitute the Italian sausage?
Yes, try chicken or turkey sausage for a leaner option without sacrificing the savory flavor profile.
- → How can I make the sauce creamier without heavy cream?
Use half-and-half as a lighter alternative or add a splash of milk with a little flour to thicken the sauce gently.
- → Is it possible to add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely, baby spinach or sun-dried tomatoes can be stirred in during the simmering phase for added nutrition and flavor complexity.
- → How do I prevent the sauce from being too thick?
Reserve some pasta cooking water and add as needed when mixing the pasta with the sauce to loosen it and achieve a silkier texture.
- → What herbs enhance the flavor best?
Dried Italian herbs like basil and oregano complement the tomato and sausage beautifully, adding aromatic depth to the sauce.