There’s just something magical about Italian sausage, pasta, and a rich, tangy tomato basil sauce coming together in one perfect dish. If you’re craving something hearty and comforting, this recipe is for you! It’s one of those meals that feels like a warm hug after a busy day. The bold flavors of the sausage and the freshness of basil make every bite so satisfying. Trust me, this is a dish you’re going to want to make again and again.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Why You’ll Love Italian Sausage Pasta in a Tomato Basil Sauce
This recipe isn’t just about throwing ingredients together; it’s about creating an unforgettable meal that will leave everyone at the table wanting more. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, a quick weeknight meal, or just indulging yourself with something delicious, this dish checks all the boxes. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for weeknights when you need something quick and flavorful, but fancy enough to serve at a dinner gathering with friends. The heartiness of the sausage combined with the freshness of basil and tomatoes makes it perfect for any occasion.
Budget-Friendly: This dish uses simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. No need for expensive or hard-to-find items here! It’s easy on your wallet while still delivering incredible flavors.
Quick and Easy: The steps are straightforward, even for beginners. You don’t need to be a pro in the kitchen to pull this off! It’s one of those meals that gives you a big return with minimal effort.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re serving picky eaters or food lovers, this recipe is a hit. The savory sausage, rich sauce, and tender pasta make this dish something everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Here’s the magic of this dish—it’s made with just a few pantry staples and some delicious Italian sausage, yet it delivers on flavor in a big way. Let’s break it down:
Italian Sausage: The star of the dish! Whether you go with sweet or spicy, this sausage adds depth and richness to the sauce. It’s savory, juicy, and perfect for this pasta.
Pasta: Choose your favorite pasta—spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni. The sauce clings beautifully to the pasta, making every bite a burst of flavor.
Tomatoes: Use crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes for a fresh, juicy base for your sauce. They create the perfect foundation for the tomato basil sauce.
Garlic: You can’t go wrong with garlic in Italian cooking. It adds that aromatic punch that fills your kitchen with irresistible smells.
Basil: Fresh basil is a must for a bright, herbaceous note in the sauce. It’s the key to that refreshing taste that balances out the richness of the sausage.
Onions: They add a touch of sweetness to the sauce and bring it all together in the most delicious way.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s get started with creating this delicious, savory masterpiece!
Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage (casings removed if necessary) and cook until browned. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks so it gets nice and crumbled. The sausage should be fully cooked through.
Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onions and garlic to the skillet with the sausage. Sauté until the onions are soft and translucent and the garlic is fragrant. Your kitchen is about to smell amazing!
Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings: Pour in the crushed or diced tomatoes. Stir in the dried oregano, salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat (if you like). Let it simmer for about 10 minutes to let the flavors come together.
Toss in the Basil: Stir in fresh chopped basil to the sauce just before serving. This will keep its flavor fresh and vibrant. You’ll be amazed at how the basil brightens the entire dish!
Cook the Pasta: While the sauce is simmering, cook your pasta according to the package directions. Make sure to cook it al dente—this will help the pasta hold up in the sauce.
Combine and Serve: Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together so the pasta is coated in the rich tomato-basil sauce. Serve it hot, and garnish with extra basil or Parmesan cheese for that finishing touch.
How to Serve Italian Sausage Pasta in a Tomato Basil Sauce
This dish is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but if you’re looking to make it even more special, try these sides:
Garlic Bread: Serve it with some crusty garlic bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. It’s the perfect match.
Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette will provide a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.
Roasted Vegetables: Pair with roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes for added texture and flavor.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: If you’re short on time, you can brown the sausage and prep the sauce ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for up to 2 days, and when you’re ready, just heat it up and cook your pasta.
Spice It Up: If you like heat, feel free to add extra red pepper flakes or even a chopped chili for more kick.
Dietary Adjustments: You can easily make this dish gluten-free by swapping out the pasta for a gluten-free option. To make it dairy-free, skip the Parmesan cheese garnish.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove to keep the pasta from getting too mushy.
Freeze It: This recipe also freezes really well. Just store it in an airtight container, and you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use ground turkey instead of sausage?
A1: Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well, though you may want to add a little extra seasoning to make up for the lack of sausage’s natural flavor.
Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: Yes, this recipe is perfect for meal prep. Just make the sauce and store it in the fridge. Cook your pasta fresh when you’re ready to serve.
Q3: Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
A3: You can, but fresh basil really makes a difference in this recipe. If you use dried basil, use about one-third the amount of fresh.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just add a splash of water or extra sauce to keep it moist.
Q5: Can I freeze this recipe?
A5: Yes, you can! Just freeze the sauce and pasta separately for the best results. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Definitely! This recipe is easy to scale up for larger groups or if you want leftovers for the week.
Q7: What’s the best pasta to use?
A7: I love using penne or rigatoni, but spaghetti or any pasta you like will work. Just make sure it can hold up to the hearty sauce!
Q8: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
A8: Yes! Add mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to the sauce for an extra boost of flavor and nutrition.
Q9: Can I use store-bought sauce?
A9: You can, but the homemade sauce in this recipe makes it so much more flavorful! It’s worth the extra step.
Q10: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A10: Yes, you can swap the sausage for plant-based sausage or even mushrooms for a vegetarian option!
Conclusion
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself to a comforting meal, Italian Sausage Pasta in a Tomato Basil Sauce is sure to be a hit. The hearty sausage, flavorful sauce, and tender pasta are a perfect combination that will make you feel like you’re dining at your favorite Italian restaurant. So, grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy every last bite!
Print
Italian Sausage Pasta in a Tomato Basil Sauce
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet, Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Italian Sausage Pasta in Tomato Basil Sauce is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. The rich, savory flavors of Italian sausages combine with fresh tomatoes, basil, and a simple yet delicious homemade tomato sauce, all tossed with tender pasta. A great choice for weeknight dinners, this dish is quick to prepare and satisfying. Serve with Parmesan and fresh herbs for an authentic Italian experience.
Ingredients
-
For the pasta:
-
375g fresh lasagna sheets, cut into strips
-
500g good-quality Italian sausages, casings removed
-
1 tbsp olive oil
-
1/2 brown onion, finely chopped
-
2 garlic cloves, minced
-
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
-
800g crushed tomatoes or tomato passata
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
-
2-4 fresh basil leaves
-
-
To serve:
-
Parmesan cheese, grated
-
Basil leaves or fresh parsley, chopped
-
Instructions
-
Cook the Sausage:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the sausage and break it up with a spoon. Cook until well-browned. -
Prepare the Sauce:
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for about 2 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent.
Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for another minute.
Add the crushed tomatoes, basil leaves, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. -
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna strips for 1–2 minutes less than the packet instructions suggest. Drain and set aside. -
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the cooked pasta to the simmering sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly. Cook for an additional minute, then remove from heat.
-
Serve:
Divide the pasta among plates and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Garnish with extra basil leaves or chopped parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a slight kick. This dish is also great with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 55mg