Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe

This Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta is a true dinnertime hero—brimming with bold flavor, rich creamy sauce, and just the right kick from hot Italian sausages. If you crave comforting pasta with personality, this hearty weeknight favorite absolutely delivers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta is blissfully short but each component brings something special—spice, creaminess, or a burst of freshness. Don’t skip any: together, these simple staples create pure magic in your bowl.

• Penne Pasta: Short, ridged penne hugs all the sauce and sausage bits, making every forkful perfect.
• Hot Italian Sausages: Choose sausages with some heat—you’ll get deep, savory flavor with just enough kick.
• Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic lifts the sauce and complements the sausage beautifully.
• Chicken Broth (or White Wine): Adds savoriness and helps loosen all those tasty caramelized bits from the pan.
• Flour: Just a touch thickens the sauce so it clings to the pasta.
• Diced Tomatoes (with Juice): For brightness and a classic Italian touch, canned tomatoes work perfectly here.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: A little goes a long way to mellow the heat and give the sauce its luscious texture.
• Fresh Basil: Torn basil adds color and an aromatic finish that screams “homemade Italian!”
• Parmesan Cheese: Only the real, freshly grated kind, please—it adds incredible richness and salty depth.
• Salt & Pepper: Tastes vary, so season to finish for pure pasta bliss.

Variations

This Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta is already amazing as written, but it’s also super adaptable! You can easily tweak it for different ingredients, spice levels, or dietary needs—so you’ll never get bored of making it.

• Mild Sausage: Swap in mild Italian sausages if you want all the flavor with barely any heat—great for kids or sensitive palates.
• Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour to thicken the sauce.
• Veggie-Packed: Add spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to the skillet for a hit of color and nutrition.
• Extra Creamy: Stir in an extra splash of cream or even a dollop of mascarpone for a velvety upgrade.
• Less Dairy: Sub coconut cream and nutritional yeast for a dairy-light option that’s still rich and glorious.

How to Make Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the penne until it’s al dente (just a bit of bite left). Good pasta texture is key—overcooked noodles won’t hold up under that luscious sauce!

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

While the pasta cooks, remove the sausage meat from its casings and crumble it into a large skillet. Sauté over medium-high heat for about 5–6 minutes, stirring, until you have golden-brown, aromatic sausage pieces—this is where all the deep, spicy flavors are born.

Step 3: Build the Sauce Base

Transfer the browned sausage to a plate, then add minced garlic to the pan (and a splash of the excess fat, if you’ve got some—flavor!). Pour in the chicken broth or wine and sprinkle in the flour, whisking to dissolve and scrape up those gorgeous browned bits. Simmer until slightly reduced—about a minute or two.

Step 4: Simmer with Tomatoes and Cream

Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), heavy cream, and return the sausage to the skillet. Let everything bubble for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and comes together. Season with salt and cracked black pepper to taste—it’ll smell absolutely irresistible at this point!

Step 5: Add Basil and Finish

Just before serving, scatter in the fresh, torn basil for a gorgeous pop of color and herby fragrance. Toss in the drained penne, mixing so every piece gets coated in that creamy, spicy sauce. Sprinkle generously with parmesan and get ready to dig in!

How to Serve Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta

Garnishes

For a truly special touch, scatter extra parmesan and a handful of torn basil leaves over each plate. A drizzle of good olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper adds irresistible gloss and zing—a final flourish that transforms your Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta into a restaurant-worthy showstopper!

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs perfectly with a crisp, simple green salad (think arugula or baby spinach tossed with lemon vinaigrette), roasted veggies, or garlicky bread for all that sauce. Serve with your favorite Italian red or sparkling water for a truly cozy meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Show off Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta by twirling individual servings into shallow bowls, topping with a parmesan “shower,” and adding a pretty streak of basil pesto. For a family-style feast, pile it high on a big platter and let everyone help themselves. Don’t forget those parmesan curls for a dramatic, mouthwatering finish!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Stash any leftover Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta in an airtight container once cooled (it keeps best without the fresh basil). It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days—plenty of time for a next-day pasta lunch to look forward to!

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe bags or containers. The pasta and sauce freeze well—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and add a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce’s silky texture.

Reheating

To reheat Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a spoonful of water, broth, or cream to loosen the sauce, and stir occasionally (so the cream doesn’t separate). Sprinkle with extra parmesan and basil to freshen it up!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving pasta that’s bold, comforting, just a little bit cheeky, and guaranteed to win rave reviews, you need to try Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta. It’s hearty, quick, and full of flavor—perfect for sharing with people who love food as much as you do.

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