Sausage Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce
A comforting weeknight dinner featuring spicy Italian sausage and tender pasta tossed in a luscious, creamy tomato sauce. This rich and savory dish comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Cook the Pasta
- b.Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 2 tablespoons of salt.
- c.Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- d.Before draining, carefully reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Brown the Sausage
- b.While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- c.Add the sausage meat to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it into smaller crumbles.
- d.Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and cooked through. If there is excessive grease, carefully drain most of it off.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Build the Sauce Base
- b.Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the sausage and cook for 4-5 minutes, until softened and translucent.
- c.Stir in the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and dried oregano. Cook for 1 minute more until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent the garlic from burning.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Simmer the Sauce
- b.Pour in the can of crushed tomatoes. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper.
- c.Stir well to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- d.Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Finish and Combine
- b.Reduce the heat to the lowest setting and stir in the heavy cream until the sauce is smooth and has a uniform pink color.
- c.Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat every piece of pasta.
- d.If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water (starting with 1/4 cup) until it reaches your desired consistency.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Serve
- b.Divide the pasta among four bowls.
- c.Garnish generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil before serving immediately.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Don't skip reserving the pasta water. The starchy water is key to creating a silky sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta.
- 2For a deeper tomato flavor, add one tablespoon of tomato paste and cook it for a minute with the garlic and spices.
- 3Use high-quality canned tomatoes, like San Marzano, for a noticeably better-tasting sauce.
- 4For an extra layer of flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of dry white wine after cooking the onions and garlic, before adding the tomatoes.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace the Italian sausage with 1 lb of sliced cremini mushrooms or a plant-based sausage alternative. Sauté the mushrooms until browned before adding the onions.
Lighter VersionLighter Version
Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk for a less rich sauce. Note that the sauce may be slightly thinner.
Added GreensAdded Greens
Stir in 2-3 cups of fresh spinach or chopped kale during the last few minutes of simmering the sauce. Cook until the greens are just wilted.
Cheesy Baked PastaCheesy Baked Pasta
After combining the pasta and sauce, transfer it to a baking dish. Top with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Source of Lycopene
Tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to reducing the risk of certain chronic diseases and protecting skin from sun damage.
Provides Complete Protein
The Italian sausage provides all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein source necessary for building and repairing tissues, including muscle.
Energy Boost
The carbohydrates from the pasta are the body's primary fuel source, providing a quick and sustained release of energy to power you through your day.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of this Sausage Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce contains approximately 750-850 calories. This is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients used, such as the fat content of the sausage and cream.