Italian Sausage Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce 🍝🇮🇹

This comforting pasta dish combines the bold flavors of Italian sausage with a rich and creamy tomato sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering, this recipe is both simple to prepare and incredibly satisfying. Pair it with a crisp salad and a glass of red wine for a delightful meal! 🍷

Ingredients

For the pasta and sauce

• 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni work well)
• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, depending on your preference)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Optional Extras

• Red pepper flakes for added heat
• 1/2 cup spinach or kale, chopped
• Additional cheese for topping

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:

   • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Sauté the Sausage:

   • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pan.

3. Cook the Aromatics:

   • In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté until translucent (about 3-4 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, or until fragrant.

4. Make the Sauce:

   • Pour in the crushed tomatoes, followed by the cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

   🍅 For a smoother sauce, you can blend the crushed tomatoes before adding them to the skillet.

5. Combine Pasta and Sausage:

   • Return the cooked Italian sausage to the skillet and stir it into the sauce. If using, add the chopped spinach or kale at this stage. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until the greens are wilted.

6. Toss with Pasta:

   • Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan at the end for extra creaminess.

7. Serve:

   • Garnish with fresh basil leaves and additional Parmesan if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

🌱 Fresh basil adds a lovely aroma to this dish. Try to use it right before serving for the best flavor!

Variations

• Vegetarian: Substitute Italian sausage with sautéed mushrooms or lentils for a meatless option that’s just as hearty! 🍄
• Spicy: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for extra kick, or use spicy Italian sausage for more heat.
• One-Pot Wonder: To simplify cleanup, make this dish in one pot by cooking the pasta in the same skillet. Add enough water to cover the pasta after adding the tomatoes and cream, then cook until pasta is tender and sauce thickens!
• Lightened Up: Swap heavy cream for a low-fat version or use whole milk mixed with a bit of cream for a lighter sauce.

Enjoy your Italian Sausage Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce! Buon Appetito! 🍽️