Description
Simmering with robust Italian flavors, this Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta delivers a mouthwatering culinary journey through hearty countryside kitchens. Zesty sausage, al dente pasta, and rich seasonings combine into a delectable meal that welcomes comfort and excitement to your dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) spicy Italian sausage (casings removed)
Pasta and Base Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your choice)
- 1 can (14 ounces/400 grams) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente, following package guidelines. Carefully extract and preserve 1/2 cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining.
- Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature. Crumble Italian sausage into the pan, browning thoroughly for maximum flavor development.
- Introduce diced onions to the sausage, sautéing until translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes. Incorporate minced garlic and fiery red chili flakes, stirring rapidly to prevent burning.
- Stream crushed tomatoes into the skillet, allowing the mixture to simmer and reduce for 10 minutes. Periodically stir to prevent scorching and ensure even sauce consistency.
- Lower heat and gently fold in rich heavy cream, creating a luxurious sauce base. Add cooked pasta directly into the skillet, tossing meticulously to coat every strand.
- Adjust sauce thickness by gradually introducing reserved pasta water if needed. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese, ensuring even distribution throughout the dish.
- Season with kosher salt and cracked black pepper to taste. Finish by garnishing with finely chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant, aromatic touch. Serve immediately while piping hot.
Notes
- Ensure pasta is cooked al dente for perfect texture, avoiding mushy noodles that can ruin the dish’s overall appeal.
- Use fresh Italian sausage with high fat content to create richer, more authentic flavor and prevent dryness.
- Customize heat levels by adjusting red chili flakes – start with less and gradually increase for personal spice preference.
- Consider dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream or cashew cream for lactose-intolerant guests while maintaining creamy consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 627 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg