Pasta with sausage is one of those timeless, feel-good meals that can turn an ordinary evening into something special. Whether you’re using spicy Italian sausage, sweet sausage, or a smoky sausage variety, this dish brings together bold flavors, rich textures, and total satisfaction in every bite. Perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings, it’s a dish that delivers comfort and flavor without much effort.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
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Rich and Savory: The sausage brings depth and spice to every forkful.
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Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for family dinners, potlucks, or date nights at home.
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Easy to Customize: Use your favorite pasta shape, add veggies, or adjust spice levels.
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One-Pot Potential: Minimal cleanup when made in one skillet or pan.
Ingredients List
For the Main Dish:
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12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, farfalle, or orecchiette)
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1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage (sweet, spicy, or a mix), casings removed
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1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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3–4 garlic cloves, minced
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1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
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1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
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2 tablespoons tomato paste
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½ cup chicken broth or reserved pasta water
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½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional for creamy version)
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½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
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Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Timing & Servings
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
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Total Time: 40 minutes
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Servings: 4 to 6 servings
Step-by-Step Instructions for Pasta with Sausage
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add sausage and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it into crumbles with a spatula. Remove excess fat if needed.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Add chopped onion to the sausage and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes. Stir in garlic, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning, cooking until fragrant.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Add tomato paste and stir to coat the sausage mixture. Pour in crushed tomatoes and broth (or pasta water). Simmer for 8–10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and sauce to thicken.
Step 5: Optional – Make It Creamy
If using cream, stir it in now and cook for another 2–3 minutes until heated through. This creates a luscious pink sauce with extra richness.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until well coated. Stir in Parmesan cheese and check for seasoning.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Top with more cheese, chopped parsley or basil, and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve hot.
Tips for the Best Pasta with Sausage
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Use high-quality sausage: Whether spicy or mild, better sausage means better flavor.
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Don’t overcook the pasta: It should be firm enough to absorb the sauce without falling apart.
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Layer flavors: Brown the sausage well for extra depth and caramelization.
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Deglaze the pan: Use a splash of wine or broth to lift browned bits from the pan—this adds big flavor.
Variations to Try
With Vegetables
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Add spinach, kale, or zucchini for added nutrients.
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Stir in bell peppers or mushrooms during the sautéing step for more texture.
With Different Sausages
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Try chorizo for a smoky, spicy twist.
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Use chicken sausage for a leaner option.
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A combination of sweet and hot sausage creates great balance.
With Different Sauces
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Use vodka sauce instead of tomato sauce for creaminess and tang.
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Try a white wine garlic butter sauce if skipping tomatoes altogether.
Pasta Shape Recommendations
While any pasta will work, here are a few shapes that shine with sausage:
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Rigatoni: Tubes hold sauce and sausage perfectly.
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Orecchiette: Their little “ears” catch sausage crumbles beautifully.
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Fusilli: Spirals trap all the flavorful sauce.
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Penne: Classic choice and always a winner.
Make It Spicy (Or Not)
Spice lovers can:
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Add extra crushed red pepper flakes
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Use hot Italian sausage
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Stir in a dash of hot sauce or Calabrian chili paste
Want it milder? Stick with sweet Italian sausage and omit the red pepper.
What to Serve with Pasta and Sausage
Side Dishes
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Garlic bread or focaccia
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Caesar salad or arugula salad
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Roasted or grilled vegetables
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Antipasto platter with olives and cured meats
Beverages
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Red wines: Chianti, Merlot, or Zinfandel
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Sparkling water with lemon
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Iced tea or light beer
Storage and Leftovers
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or cream to refresh the sauce.
Freezer
Cool completely, then freeze in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Make-Ahead Tips
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Pre-cook the sausage and freeze it for a quicker weeknight meal.
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Chop onions and garlic ahead and store in the fridge for 2–3 days.
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Make the sauce in advance and store for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Nutritional Overview (Per Serving – Approximate)
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Calories: 600–750
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Protein: 30–35g
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Carbohydrates: 50–60g
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Fat: 30–35g
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Fiber: 3–4g
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Sugar: 6–8g (Varies based on ingredients and portion size)
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked sausage?
Yes! Slice or crumble pre-cooked sausage and brown it lightly before adding onions and garlic for added flavor.
How can I make this gluten-free?
Use certified gluten-free pasta and ensure your sausage is also labeled gluten-free.
What’s the best sausage for this recipe?
Italian sausage is classic, but spicy sausage or even smoked varieties add excellent character.
Can I bake this into a casserole?
Absolutely. Combine the pasta and sauce, pour into a baking dish, top with mozzarella or Parmesan, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes until bubbly.
Conclusion
Pasta with sausage is the kind of dish that brings comfort, satisfaction, and a whole lot of flavor to the table with minimal effort. It’s rich, hearty, and easy to adapt based on your tastes and what you have in your pantry. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this recipe will always deliver—warm, filling, and packed with deliciousness.