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Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta

A hearty and flavorful pasta dish featuring spicy Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and a rich tomato sauce.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 500 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Large pot
  • Cutting board
  • Knife

Ingredients
  

Essential Ingredients

  • 1 pound Spicy Italian Sausage Fresh or pre-cooked, sliced into bite-sized pieces.
  • 12 ounces Pasta Penne or rigatoni work well.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil For sautéing the ingredients.
  • 4 cloves Garlic Minced for flavor.
  • 1 medium Onion Chopped for sweetness.
  • 2 cups Bell Peppers Mixed colors, chopped.
  • 28 ounces Crushed Tomatoes Forms the base of the sauce.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Grated for serving.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Basil Chopped for garnish.

Optional Ingredients

  • 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes For extra heat.
  • 1 cup Mushrooms Sautéed for added flavor.
  • 2 cups Fresh Spinach Stirred in for nutrition.
  • 1/2 cup Heavy Cream For a richer sauce.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning For enhanced flavor.

Instructions
 

  • Prepare all ingredients by chopping vegetables and slicing the sausage.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Cook the sliced sausage for 5-7 minutes until browned.
  • In the same skillet, add chopped onions and sauté for 2 minutes. Then add garlic and bell peppers, cooking for another 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the cooked sausage back to the skillet, pour in crushed tomatoes, and stir. If using optional ingredients, add them now. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
  • While the sauce simmers, cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes.
  • Drain the pasta, reserving a cup of pasta water. Add the pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to combine.
  • If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency. Stir in Parmesan cheese and fresh basil before serving.

Notes

This dish is versatile; adjust the spice level and ingredients to suit your taste.
Keyword Pasta, Quick Dinner, Sausage, Spicy