Looking for a quick, hearty, and flavor-packed pasta dinner that feels like it came straight from a trattoria in Rome? This Easy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe is your new go-to. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights, or entertaining friends with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
With savory Italian sausage, al dente pasta, and a rich, silky tomato-based sauce, this dish delivers a perfect balance of comfort and sophistication. Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned home chef, this recipe will impress—and become a staple in your kitchen.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Ready in just 30 minutes
✅ Family-friendly and customizable
✅ One-pan friendly with easy cleanup
✅ Can be made creamy, spicy, or veggie-packed
✅ Restaurant-quality results with simple ingredients
🍽️ Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb Italian sausage – Sweet or spicy, based on your taste
- 12 oz pasta – Penne, rigatoni, or fusilli
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Optional Add-Ins:
- Heavy cream – For a creamy finish
- Sundried tomatoes, spinach, or zucchini – For added nutrition and flavor
- Mascarpone or cream cheese – For ultra-silky texture
💡 Ingredient Tip: Sub turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner version. Gluten-free pasta works well if needed.
🧰 Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large pot (for pasta)
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Colander
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
🔪 Preparation Tips Before Cooking
- Mise en place: Prep all ingredients first to cook efficiently.
- Reserve pasta water: Save 1 cup of the starchy water to help emulsify your sauce.
- Sausage tip: Use a sharp knife to slit and remove casings before browning.
- Veggie prep: Dice onions and peppers finely so they integrate smoothly into the sauce.
🍝 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet. Add sausage (casings removed), cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking into crumbles. Once browned, transfer to a plate.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add another tbsp of olive oil. Sauté garlic and onion for 3 minutes. Add red bell pepper and cook another 2–3 minutes until tender.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Return sausage to the skillet. Stir in diced tomatoes, chicken broth, oregano, pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer on medium for 5–7 minutes.
Step 5: Combine Pasta & Sauce
Add cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss everything together until evenly coated. Use reserved pasta water as needed to loosen and bind the sauce.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Stir in chopped basil. Serve hot with generous Parmesan shavings on top.
👨🍳 Chef’s Tips for Extra Flavor
- Add a splash of dry red wine while simmering the sauce.
- Stir in ½ cup heavy cream or mascarpone for a creamy version.
- Use roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for a flavor boost.
- Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley also work beautifully here.
🥖 What to Serve With It
- Garlic Bread: Classic and perfect for mopping up sauce.
- Green Salad: Try arugula or Caesar for contrast.
- Red Wine: Chianti, Sangiovese, or Merlot are ideal pairings.
🍷 Hosting tip: Serve pasta in wide bowls garnished with fresh basil, extra Parm, and a drizzle of good olive oil for presentation.
🧊 Storage & Reheating Tips
To Store:
- Let cool completely before refrigerating.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze up to 3 months in freezer-safe bags.
To Reheat:
- Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to loosen.
- Microwave with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
🔁 Variations to Try
- Creamy Version: Add ½ cup heavy cream at the end.
- Spicy Arrabbiata: Double the chili flakes or use hot sausage.
- Vegetarian: Use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth.
- Baked Pasta Casserole: Top with mozzarella and bake at 375°F until bubbly.
- One-Pot Version: Cook pasta in sauce with 2 extra cups of broth until tender.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking pasta — it will get mushy after mixing with hot sauce
- Not saving pasta water — it’s essential for emulsifying the sauce
- Cooking sausage at low heat — this prevents browning and flavor
- Adding cream too early — it may split. Always finish with cream at the end
💬 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it keeps well for up to 3 days and reheats beautifully.
Q: What pasta works best?
Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli holds sauce well.
Q: Is it kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Use sweet sausage and skip the chili flakes.
Q: Can I use jarred sauce?
You can, but the flavor is much richer with this homemade version.
📊 Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 kcal | 20g | 50g | 20g |
Based on 6 servings. Nutrition may vary depending on ingredients used.
✅ Why This Recipe Works
This dish hits all the right notes—savory, rich, and comforting. The rendered fat from Italian sausage builds a flavorful base, the pasta water emulsifies the sauce, and fresh basil adds brightness. The result? A simple yet elevated dish that tastes like it came from a fine Italian kitchen.
📥 Final Thoughts
This Easy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe proves that quick meals don’t have to sacrifice flavor. With a few pantry staples and smart technique, you’ll deliver an unforgettable dinner every single time.