Save to Pinterest A rich and comforting pasta dish featuring savory sausage, a creamy tomato sauce, and al dente penne (perfect for busy weeknights.)
I first tried this recipe on a hectic weeknight, and it instantly became a favorite in our home for its richness and simplicity.
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)
Instructions
- Cook 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.
- Brown the 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.
- Simmer the sauce:
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 3 minutes.
- Add cream & season:
- 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 and 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 to Pinterest This pasta is a huge hit with my family (even picky eaters love the creamy tomato sauce.)
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, wooden spoon or spatula, knife and cutting board, cheese grater
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), dairy (Parmesan, cream), and may contain traces of nuts if present in cheese. Contains pork (if using traditional Italian sausage). Always check sausage and cheese labels for specific allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories (620), Total Fat (29 g), Carbohydrates (60 g), Protein (28 g)
Save to Pinterest This creamy tomato and sausage pasta makes any weeknight dinner effortless and satisfying (leftovers reheat beautifully, too.)