Name: Italian Sausage Pasta in a Tomato Basil Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: – 400g (14 oz) Italian sausage, casings removed; – 350g (12 oz) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your choice); – 1 tablespoon olive oil; – 1 small onion, finely chopped; – 3 cloves garlic, minced; – 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes; – 2 tablespoons tomato paste; – 1 teaspoon dried oregano; – 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); – Salt and black pepper to taste; – 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried basil); – 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for serving)

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Imagine a cozy evening, a big bowl of pasta, and the kind of rich, savory sauce that makes you close your eyes with every bite. That’s exactly what you get with this Italian Sausage Pasta in a Tomato Basil Sauce. It’s hearty, satisfying, and packed with bold Italian flavors that feel like a warm hug. The sausage brings the spice, the tomatoes bring the comfort, and the basil ties it all together like a culinary love letter to Italy. Trust me, this one’s a game-changer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Versatile: Perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or dressed up with garlic bread and wine for date night.

Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, everyday ingredients that deliver big flavor without breaking the bank.

Quick and Easy: Comes together in under 30 minutes, so you can have a gourmet-tasting meal on the table fast.

Customizable: Swap the sausage, change the pasta, or add veggies—make it your own kind of delicious.

Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients

Here’s everything that makes this dish feel like an Italian escape—bold, comforting, and impossible to resist.

Italian Sausage

Mild or spicy, your call! It brings the flavor and richness that makes this pasta unforgettable.

Pasta

Penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti—whatever shape holds onto that sauce beautifully.

Crushed Tomatoes

The base of the sauce. Deep, rich, and full of that classic tomato flavor.

Garlic

Sautéed until fragrant—it sets the tone for the whole dish.

Onion

Soft, sweet, and the perfect balance to the savory sausage.

Fresh Basil

Adds brightness and that unmistakable Italian flair.

Olive Oil

For sautéing and adding richness to the sauce.

Salt & Pepper

Simple seasonings that bring out all the flavors.

Red Pepper Flakes (Optional)

If you like a little heat, just a pinch takes it up a notch.

Parmesan Cheese (Optional)

For that final cheesy touch—melts in for extra indulgence.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Italian Sausage Pasta in a Tomato Basil Sauce

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Cook the Pasta

Boil a pot of salted water and cook your pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Brown the Sausage

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned and crumbled. Remove excess grease if needed.

Sauté the Aromatics

Add chopped onion and garlic to the sausage. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent—it smells amazing already.

Add the Tomatoes

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir well. Let it simmer for 10–15 minutes so all the flavors can get to know each other.

Season the Sauce

Add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir in chopped fresh basil just before the sauce finishes simmering.

Combine Pasta & Sauce

Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce. Mix well so every piece is coated in that rich, tomatoey goodness.

Serve it Up

Top with freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of basil. Serve warm and dig in.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 550 (approx.)

Note: Nutrition may vary slightly depending on specific ingredients used.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Italian Sausage Pasta in a Tomato Basil Sauce

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
– Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
– A crisp Caesar or arugula salad
– A glass of red wine (Chianti or Merlot, yes please!)
– Roasted veggies on the side for a wholesome touch

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
– Use high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor
– Let the sauce simmer longer for a deeper, richer taste
– If using spicy sausage, balance the heat with a little sugar
– Save some pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed
– Leftovers? Store them in an airtight container—they reheat beautifully

FAQs

1. Can I use ground beef or turkey instead of sausage?
Absolutely! It’ll be slightly different in flavor, but still delicious.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! The flavors actually deepen after a day in the fridge. Just reheat before serving.

3. What’s the best type of pasta for this recipe?
Penne or rigatoni are great—they hold the sauce well. But feel free to use your favorite.

4. Is this recipe spicy?
It depends on the sausage and whether you add red pepper flakes. You can easily adjust the heat.

5. Can I add vegetables to this?
Yes! Try spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrition and color.

6. How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove.

7. Can I freeze it?
Yep! Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

8. What kind of cheese goes best on top?
Parmesan is classic, but mozzarella or pecorino are great too.

9. Can I make this gluten-free?
Use your favorite gluten-free pasta—just keep an eye on the cook time.

10. What can I use instead of fresh basil?
Dried basil works in a pinch—just use about a third of the amount.

Conclusion

If you’re craving bold, cozy Italian flavors with zero fuss, this Italian Sausage Pasta in a Tomato Basil Sauce is calling your name. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s easy enough for weeknights but fancy enough to serve guests. Once you try it, it’s bound to become a regular on your dinner rotation.