If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that’s both satisfying and full of flavor, then Sausage Tomato Pasta is about to become your new best friend. Picture this: the rich, savory flavors of sausage combined with the brightness of tomatoes and the heartiness of pasta. Trust me, you’re going to love this one! Whether you’re cooking for yourself after a busy day or whipping up something for friends, this recipe has all the right notes to hit the spot. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s sure to leave everyone asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love Sausage Tomato Pasta
This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for busy weeknights or as the star of your next get-together. Imagine coming home after a long day and knowing this cozy dish will be on the table in no time. Or serving it at a dinner party, where everyone’s asking for the recipe!
Budget-Friendly: You won’t need to hunt down expensive ingredients. The staples in your pantry and fridge are all you need to create a delicious, hearty meal. It’s a perfect go-to when you’re sticking to a budget.
Quick and Easy: This recipe has simple steps that anyone, from beginners to seasoned home cooks, can follow with confidence. You’ll have dinner ready before you know it, with minimal stress.
Customizable: Feel free to make it your own! Want it spicier? Toss in some red pepper flakes. Prefer it a little milder? You can always adjust the seasoning to your taste.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit at the dinner table. The combination of sausage, tomatoes, and pasta is a perfect balance of flavor that’s sure to please both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients in Sausage Tomato Pasta
Here’s where the magic happens—these ingredients come together to make something truly special. Let’s break it down:
Italian Sausage: The key to this dish’s heartiness and flavor. The savory, slightly spicy sausage infuses the sauce with all its goodness, making every bite comforting and satisfying.
Tomatoes: Whether you’re using fresh or canned, tomatoes add the perfect balance of acidity and sweetness. They create the luscious, flavorful base for your sauce.
Garlic: A must-have for any pasta dish. Garlic brings that aromatic, savory depth that makes everything better.
Onions: Sweet, soft, and slightly caramelized when cooked. They add flavor and texture to the sauce, making it even more irresistible.
Pasta: Choose your favorite—spaghetti, penne, or any other shape that holds sauce well. It’s the perfect base for soaking up all that flavorful goodness.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Ready to dive in and create this flavorful masterpiece? Here’s how it’s done:
Cook the Sausage: Heat a large pan over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s browned and fully cooked. The aroma of the sausage sizzling in the pan will have you excited to keep going.
Add the Aromatics: Toss in the garlic and onions, and sauté until the onions are soft and fragrant. This step builds the foundation of the dish’s flavor.
Stir in the Tomatoes: Add your tomatoes to the pan and stir everything together. Let it simmer for a few minutes to let the flavors meld together beautifully.
Cook the Pasta: While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to package directions. Once cooked, reserve some of the pasta water to help thicken the sauce if needed.
Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the sausage and tomato sauce. Toss everything together, adding a little of the reserved pasta water if the sauce needs loosening up.
Simmer: Let everything simmer together for a few more minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb the sauce and the flavors to meld.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of basil or parsley for an extra touch of flavor.
How to Serve Sausage Tomato Pasta
This dish is hearty enough to enjoy on its own, but here are a few pairing suggestions to elevate your meal:
Fresh Salads: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette works perfectly as a fresh, crisp contrast to the rich pasta.
Crusty Bread: Don’t forget the bread! A warm, crusty loaf is perfect for dipping into that flavorful sauce.
Vegetable Sides: Roasted veggies, like zucchini or spinach, add some color and balance to the dish.
Cheese: A sprinkle of Parmesan or mozzarella adds that creamy, cheesy finish that really takes it over the top.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: Chop the onions and garlic ahead of time to make cooking even quicker. You can also cook the sausage and store it in the fridge to make the final steps a breeze.
Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or smoked paprika if you like a little heat or extra depth in your sauce.
Dietary Adjustments: Swap the sausage for a plant-based alternative if you prefer a vegetarian version, and use gluten-free pasta for those with dietary restrictions.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a little extra water to bring the sauce back to life.
Double the Batch: This recipe is perfect for leftovers or for freezing. Make a double batch and save it for those busy days when you need a homemade meal in a hurry.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute sausage with another protein?
A1: Yes! Ground turkey or chicken would work great as a leaner alternative. You could also use a plant-based sausage if you prefer a vegetarian option.
Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! This dish stores beautifully in the fridge. Prepare it the day before and simply reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to bring the sauce back to life.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes, it freezes well! Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or in a pan on the stovetop. Add a little water or broth to loosen up the sauce if needed.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Definitely! Just double the ingredients and use a larger pan. You can freeze any leftovers for later, too!
Q7: What if I don’t have fresh tomatoes?
A7: Canned tomatoes work just as well! Use a good-quality brand for the best flavor.
Q8: Can I add vegetables to the sauce?
A8: Of course! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach would all be delicious additions.
Q9: How spicy is this recipe?
A9: The sausage brings a mild heat, but you can always adjust by adding red pepper flakes if you prefer more spice.
Q10: Can I make this without pasta?
A10: Yes, you could serve it over rice or cauliflower rice if you’re looking for a low-carb option.
Conclusion
This Sausage Tomato Pasta is a dish that checks all the boxes—comforting, flavorful, and so easy to make! Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, it’s sure to satisfy. The best part? It’s so customizable and forgiving, you can make it your own every time. So go ahead, get in the kitchen, and enjoy every bite of this delicious pasta! You’ve got this!
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Sausage Tomato Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A delicious and quick weeknight dinner that combines savory Italian sausage, tender pasta, creamy sauce, and fresh basil. This dish is the perfect balance of rich flavors and comforting textures, making it a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta (about 3/4 of a 16-ounce box)
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage (ground beef can also be used)
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (16-ounce) can Italian-style diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 5–6 large leaves fresh basil, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for topping
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- ook the pasta in salted water according to the package directions until al dente.
- While pasta is cooking, brown the sausage in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic to the sausage, cooking for a couple of minutes until softened.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, and heat through.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Let it cook until the sauce reaches the desired thickness.
- Add fresh basil and let it simmer for a few more minutes.
- Mix the sausage sauce with the cooked pasta and serve. Top each serving with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
- Serve with crusty garlic bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- Adjust the thickness of the sauce by simmering it longer for a thicker texture or shorter for a creamier one.
- You can swap the sausage with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Make sure to save some pasta water to thin out the sauce if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 70mg