Easy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe (Ready in 30 Minutes!)

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)

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.