Get ready for a pasta dish that’s bold, creamy, and packed with flavor! This Spicy Sausage Pasta combines smoky, spicy sausage with a rich, velvety sauce that clings to every bite of tender pasta. It’s the ultimate comfort food with a little kick—perfect for weeknight dinners or whenever you’re craving something satisfying and delicious. Trust me, this one’s going to be a repeat favorite!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bold & Spicy: The heat from the sausage adds just the right amount of kick.
Creamy & Comforting: The sauce is rich and velvety, making every bite irresistible.
Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
One-Pan Magic: Less cleanup, more flavor. Everything cooks in one pan for maximum convenience.
Crowd-Pleaser: A dish the whole family will love, even picky eaters!
Ingredients in Spicy Sausage Pasta
Spicy Sausage: The star of the dish! Use andouille, chorizo, or hot Italian sausage for the best flavor.
Pasta: Penne, rigatoni, or any shape that holds sauce well works beautifully.
Garlic: Adds depth and richness to the dish.
Onion: A touch of sweetness to balance the spice.
Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes (fire-roasted for extra flavor!) create the base of the sauce.
Heavy Cream: Makes the sauce irresistibly creamy and smooth.
Chicken Broth: Enhances the depth of flavor and helps the sauce come together.
Parmesan Cheese: A finishing touch of cheesy goodness.
Red Pepper Flakes: For an extra spicy kick—adjust to your heat preference.
Fresh Basil or Parsley: A pop of freshness to balance the richness.
Olive Oil: Helps everything sauté to perfection.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Sausage & Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the spicy sausage and cook until browned. Stir in garlic and onion, cooking until fragrant.
Build the Sauce: Pour in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Stir to combine, letting the flavors meld together.
Simmer to Perfection: Let the sauce simmer until slightly thickened. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Toss in the Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat every piece in that creamy, spicy goodness.
Finish with Cheese & Herbs: Sprinkle in Parmesan and fresh basil or parsley. Stir until the cheese melts into the sauce.
Serve and Enjoy: Dish it up while it’s hot and dig in!
How to Serve Spicy Sausage Pasta
With Garlic Bread: The perfect way to soak up every drop of sauce.
With a Side Salad: A crisp green salad balances out the richness.
With a Glass of Wine: A bold red or crisp white pairs beautifully with the spicy flavors.
Additional Tips
Adjust the Heat: Want it spicier? Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Make it Lighter: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or Greek yogurt.
Use Different Sausage: Try mild Italian sausage if you prefer less spice.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?
A1: Yes! Just reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream.
Q2: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A2: Absolutely! Any pasta that holds sauce well will work.
Q3: What if I don’t have heavy cream?
A3: You can use milk with a bit of butter or Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Q4: Can I freeze this pasta?
A4: The sauce freezes well, but pasta can get mushy. If freezing, store the sauce separately and cook fresh pasta when ready to serve.
Q5: How can I make this dish vegetarian?
A5: Swap sausage for mushrooms or plant-based sausage alternatives.
Q6: Can I add veggies?
A6: Yes! Spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini make great additions.
Q7: How do I make it extra cheesy?
A7: Stir in more Parmesan or add shredded mozzarella before serving.
Q8: What’s the best way to reheat this?
A8: Reheat in a pan over low heat with a splash of broth or cream.
Q9: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
A9: Yes, just dice them finely and cook a bit longer to break them down.
Q10: What’s the best sausage for this recipe?
A10: Andouille, chorizo, or hot Italian sausage for bold, spicy flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Sausage Pasta is everything you need in a comfort meal creamy, bold, and packed with heat. It’s the perfect dish for when you want something quick, satisfying, and full of flavor. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a weeknight favorite!
Print
Spicy Sausage Pasta
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: North American
Description
This Spicy Sausage Pasta is packed with bold flavors from fresh chorizo, crispy bacon, and Parmesan cheese, all tossed with tender tagliatelle. A quick and easy dinner perfect for busy nights!
Ingredients
- 2/3 lb fresh chorizo sausage
- 5 oz bacon (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
- 2 big handfuls fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3/4 lb fresh tagliatelle (cooked according to package instructions)
- 1 cup pasta cooking water
- 1 tbsp butter (optional, use if needed)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sausage:
Remove the skin from the chorizo sausage by making a cut and peeling it off. Roughly chop the sausage. - Cook the Bacon:
Place chopped bacon in a cold frying pan and heat over medium-high. Cook until the bacon is crispy and has released fat. If needed, add butter. - Add Sausage & Garlic:
Add the chopped sausage and garlic to the pan. Cook, stirring often, until the sausage is fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. - Wilt the Spinach:
Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted. - Deglaze the Pan:
Pour in ½ cup of pasta cooking water and stir well to deglaze the pan, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom. - Combine Everything:
Add the cooked tagliatelle and another ½ cup of pasta water. Mix well, adding more water if needed to create a light sauce. - Finish & Serve:
Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and mix well. Serve immediately!
Notes
- Swap chorizo for Italian sausage for a milder version.
- Use linguine or fettuccine if tagliatelle isn’t available.
- For extra heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 596 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 890 mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 90mg