If youโre craving a comforting, bold, and flavorful dish that will warm you right up, Spicy Sausage Rotini is exactly what you need! Imagine perfectly cooked rotini pasta nestled in a spicy, savory sausage sauce with just the right kickโthis dish is a party for your taste buds. Itโs cozy, satisfying, and simple to make, making it the perfect weeknight dinner or a dish to impress at your next dinner gathering. Trust me, youโre going to want to make this again and again!
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Why Youโll Love Spicy Sausage Rotini
This recipe isnโt just a meal; itโs a crowd-pleaser and a total flavor bomb. Hereโs why itโs so amazing:
- Bold and Flavorful: The combination of spicy sausage and creamy sauce is a match made in heaven.
- Quick and Easy: You can whip this up in under 30 minutesโperfect for busy nights.
- Comfort Food with a Kick: The spice level can be easily adjusted to your preference, making it the ultimate comforting yet exciting dish.
- One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup, more enjoying!
Ingredients in Spicy Sausage Rotini
Hereโs what youโll need to create this delicious dish:
- Rotini Pasta: The twisty shape holds the sauce perfectly, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor.
- Spicy Italian Sausage: The star of the dish, with just the right amount of heat and savory goodness.
- Olive Oil: To sautรฉ the sausage and add a bit of richness to the sauce.
- Garlic: Adds that aromatic base to build the flavors.
- Crushed Tomatoes: For a tangy, rich base for the sauce.
- Heavy Cream: This will create the creamy texture that balances the heat from the sausage.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds depth and a touch of nuttiness to the finished dish.
- Red Pepper Flakes: For that extra pop of heatโadjust to your spice level preference.
(Note: Full measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
Now, letโs get to the fun partโthe cooking!
- Cook the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the spicy Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Brown it until fully cooked through and crispy around the edges.
- Add Garlic and Spices: Toss in the garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 5โ7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Add the Cream: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, simmering for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked rotini pasta to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta evenly in the spicy, creamy sauce.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Serve hot, and garnish with extra Parmesan if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 500
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve Spicy Sausage Rotini
This dish is rich, creamy, and bold, so it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides:
- Green Salad: A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness of the pasta.
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up that creamy, spicy sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus for a healthy and flavorful side.
- Cheese: More Parmesan on top, because who can resist extra cheese?
Additional Tips
- Adjust the Spice: If you prefer less heat, use a mild sausage or reduce the amount of red pepper flakes.
- Add Veggies: For added nutrition, throw in some spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers with the sausage.
- Make it Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream or a dairy-free substitute for a lighter option.
- Store Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A1: Absolutely! Any pasta shape you prefer will workโpenne or rigatoni would be great alternatives.
Q2: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of sausage?
A2: Yes! You can use turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option, or even regular ground chicken or turkey if you prefer.
Q3: How do I adjust the spice level?
A3: To lower the heat, reduce or eliminate the red pepper flakes, or use a mild sausage instead of spicy.
Q4: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A4: Yes! You can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat on the stove with a splash of cream or broth to freshen it up.
Q5: Can I freeze Spicy Sausage Rotini?
A5: Yes! Freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Q6: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A6: Yes! You can substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
Q7: How can I make the sauce thicker?
A7: You can simmer the sauce for a bit longer to thicken it, or add a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch mixed with a little water to thicken it faster.
Q8: How do I store leftovers?
A8: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Q9: Can I double the recipe?
A9: Absolutely! Just double the ingredients and adjust the cooking time slightly if necessary.
Q10: Can I add extra veggies to this dish?
A10: Yes, feel free to add spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for a boost of flavor and nutrition.
Spicy Sausage Rotini is a winning dish thatโs as bold and flavorful as it is comforting. Itโs quick to prepare, incredibly satisfying, and will quickly become a favorite in your household. Enjoy every spicy, creamy bite!
Print
Spicy Sausage Rotini
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Spicy Sausage Rotini is a rich, creamy, and flavorful pasta dish featuring spicy Italian sausage in a garlic Parmesan cream sauce. A perfect quick and hearty meal for any pasta lover!
Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 1 lb spicy Italian sausage, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded for topping
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. - Cook the Sausage:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside. - Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sautรฉ for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), black pepper, and salt. - Combine:
Add the cooked rotini and sausage back to the skillet. Toss to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top and cover the skillet for 3-5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt. - Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 1100mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 90mg