Save A rich and comforting pasta dish featuring savory sausage, a creamy tomato sauce, and al dente penne—perfect for busy weeknights.
I first made this creamy tomato and sausage pasta on a hectic Thursday evening when everyone was craving something cozy. The aroma of simmering sausage and garlic filled the kitchen, and the dish quickly became a favorite for dinner in a pinch.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 350 g (12 oz) penne pasta
- Meats: 300 g (10 oz) Italian sausage, casings removed; 1 tbsp olive oil
- Vegetables & Aromatics: 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Sauce: 400 g (14 oz) canned crushed tomatoes; 120 ml (1/2 cup) heavy cream; 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, or mixed); 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Cheese & Garnish: 40 g (1/3 cup) grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)
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Instructions
- Boil Pasta:
- Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Cook Sausage:
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 4 minutes.
- Sauté Onion & Garlic:
- Add chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 2 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make Tomato Sauce:
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 3 minutes.
- Add Cream:
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream, season with salt and black pepper, and let the sauce simmer gently for 2 minutes.
- Combine Pasta & Sauce:
- Add the drained pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. Add some reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Finish & Serve:
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley.
Save This pasta is a staple for our family movie nights because it’s hearty, kid-approved, and leaves few leftovers—the sign of a true hit at our table!
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, wooden spoon or spatula, knife and cutting board, cheese grater
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 620, Total Fat 29 g, Carbohydrates 60 g, Protein 28 g
Notes & Variations
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or use chicken/turkey sausage. Add baby spinach or sun-dried tomatoes in the sauce for variation.
Save This pasta is best served immediately but leftovers reheat well the next day. Savor every creamy, flavorful bite!
Recipe Guide
- → What pasta type works best?
Penne pasta is ideal here as its tubes hold the creamy tomato sauce well, offering a balanced bite every time.
- → Can I use different sausage types?
Yes, chicken or turkey sausage can be swapped for a leaner alternative without sacrificing flavor.
- → How to achieve the creamy texture?
Finishing the sauce with heavy cream adds richness and smoothness, perfectly complementing the tomato and sausage flavors.
- → Are there seasoning options?
Italian herbs like basil and oregano enhance the sauce. Adding red pepper flakes offers a gentle heat if desired.
- → How to keep pasta from drying out?
Reserve some pasta cooking water to add back to the sauce, which helps maintain a silky consistency.
