Spicy Sausage and Penne Pasta
Bold, hearty, and full of flavor, this Spicy Sausage and Penne Pasta is a quick weeknight favorite that brings heat and comfort to the table. With savory Italian sausage, garlic, crushed red pepper, and a rich tomato sauce, this dish is ready in just 30 minutes and perfect for pasta lovers who like a little kick.
Ingredients List
12 oz penne pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound spicy Italian sausage (casings removed)
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
½ cup reserved pasta water (optional)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
Cook penne in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and cook the sausage until browned and cooked through.
Add onion and sauté until softened, then stir in garlic and red pepper flakes.
Add tomato paste and cook for a minute before pouring in crushed tomatoes and seasoning with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 8–10 minutes.
Add cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. Add pasta water a little at a time if needed to loosen the sauce.
Stir in Parmesan cheese and garnish with parsley or basil. Serve hot.
Cooking Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings
Makes 4 servings
Nutritional Information (approx. per serving)
Calories: 520
Carbs: 44g
Protein: 26g
Fat: 26g
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Reheat on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water
Freezes well—store in a freezer-safe container up to 2 months
Pairings/Suggestions
Serve with a side salad or garlic bread
Top with extra Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil
Add bell peppers or spinach for extra veggies
Seasonal Relevance
Great for fall and winter or any night when you need a satisfying, spicy meal
Perfect comfort food for chilly evenings
Conclusion
Spicy Sausage and Penne Pasta is an easy, crave-worthy dinner full of heat and bold Italian flavor. It’s a one-pan dish that delivers comfort, speed, and a whole lot of taste.
Spicy Sausage and Penne Pasta
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servings10
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kcalA hearty penne pasta dish with spicy Italian sausage, garlic, and tomato sauce. Quick, satisfying, and perfect for pasta lovers who enjoy a little heat.
Ingredients
12 oz penne pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound spicy Italian sausage (casings removed)
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
½ cup reserved pasta water (optional)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Directions
- Cook penne in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and cook the sausage until browned and cooked through.
- Add onion and sauté until softened, then stir in garlic and red pepper flakes.
- Add tomato paste and cook for a minute before pouring in crushed tomatoes and seasoning with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 8–10 minutes.
- Add cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. Add pasta water a little at a time if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and garnish with parsley or basil. Serve hot.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Cook sausage fully before adding other ingredients
Use quality crushed tomatoes for best flavor
Adjust spice to your taste with more or less chili flakes
FAQs
Q1: Can I use mild sausage instead?
Yes—just add more red pepper flakes to adjust the spice level.
Q2: What can I use instead of penne?
Rigatoni, ziti, or fusilli all work great.
Q3: Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes—skip the cheese or use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.
