This pasta with sausage is a hearty and delicious dish, perfect for a family dinner. Juicy sausage pieces are cooked with onions, garlic, and tomatoes to create a rich sauce that coats the pasta beautifully. You can use beef, chicken, or pork sausage depending on your preference.
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
- 300g (10 oz) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti)
- 300g (10 oz) sausage (beef or pork, casings removed if desired)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (400g / 14 oz) crushed tomatoes (or fresh tomatoes, diced)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley or basil, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water.
- Cook the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it into chunks with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, paprika, chili flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss with the sausage sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water until you reach the desired consistency.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in fresh parsley or basil. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Things to Consider
- Sausage Options: Use Italian sausage for a herby flavor, Turkish sucuk for a spiced version, or mild sausage for a kid-friendly dish.
- Vegetable Boost: Add bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Make it Creamy: Stir in 1/4 cup of cream or mascarpone at the end for a creamy version.
Tips
- Meal Prep: The sausage sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, or frozen for 1 month.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
This Pasta with Sausage is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that brings together bold flavors and satisfying textures — a family favorite that will quickly become a regular at your table.