Welcome, fellow food lovers! Are you craving a hearty, flavorful meal that doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen? Then you’ve landed in the perfect spot! This Quick Sausage and Tomato Pasta recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero. It’s the kind of dish that brings comfort and joy to the table with minimal fuss, making it ideal for those evenings when you want something satisfying but are short on time.
Imagine tender pasta coated in a rich, vibrant tomato sauce, studded with savory, perfectly browned sausage crumbles. Each bite is a delightful explosion of flavor, from the herbaceous notes of the tomatoes to the subtle spice of the sausage. It’s a versatile dish that easily adapts to your pantry and preferences. We’re talking about a one-pan (almost!) wonder that delivers big on taste without the lengthy clean-up. If you love discovering quick and easy dinner recipes, this one absolutely deserves a spot on your rotation!
What makes this recipe truly special is its incredible simplicity. You don’t need a gourmet chef’s skills to create something truly delicious. The magic happens as the sausage browns, releasing its incredible flavor, which then infuses into the aromatic garlic and onions, and finally into the simmering tomatoes. It’s a symphony of flavors building layer by layer, yet it all comes together in a flash. Plus, using good quality Italian sausage, whether mild or spicy, is key to its success. If you’re feeling adventurous and want to try your hand at making your own homemade sausage, imagine the possibilities! But store-bought works wonderfully too, of course.
So, whether you’re feeding a hungry family, entertaining a few friends, or simply treating yourself to a well-deserved, easy dinner, this Quick Sausage and Tomato Pasta is your answer. Get ready to enjoy a fantastic meal that tastes like it took all day to make, but only took minutes. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
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1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
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1 tbsp Olive oil
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1 Small onion (finely chopped)
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2-3 cloves Garlic (minced)
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1 (28 oz) can Crushed tomatoes
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1/2 cup Chicken or vegetable broth
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1 tsp Dried oregano
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1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
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Salt and black pepper To taste
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1/2 lb Pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite short pasta)
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1/4 cup Fresh parsley or basil (chopped, for garnish)
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1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (grated, for serving)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water is pure gold for loosening the sauce and making it cling beautifully to the pasta! For tips on mastering pasta dishes, remember to always taste test before draining completely.
💡 Tip: Don’t overcook your pasta! Al dente pasta will continue to cook slightly when combined with the hot sauce.
Brown the Sausage: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage (casings removed) and break it apart with a spoon. Cook until thoroughly browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat, leaving just a little for flavor.
Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the sausage and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken or vegetable broth. Stir in the dried oregano and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Combine and Serve: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sausage and tomato sauce. Toss to combine, adding a splash or two of the reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb some of the delicious sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
💡 Tips
- Don't skip the pasta water! It's essential for achieving that perfect, glossy sauce texture.
- Taste as you go! Adjust seasonings (salt, pepper, red pepper flakes) to your preference.
- If you prefer a milder flavor, use mild Italian sausage. For a bit of heat, go for spicy.
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley really elevate the final dish, so don't hesitate to use them generously.
🎨 Variations
- Add Veggies: Sauté diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach along with the onions for added nutrients and color.
- Creamy Twist: Stir in a tablespoon or two of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
- Cheesy Delight: Mix in some shredded mozzarella or ricotta cheese with the pasta for an extra cheesy experience.
- Herb Boost: Experiment with other dried herbs like Italian seasoning or a bay leaf in the sauce for different aromatic profiles.
📊 Nutrition
Recipe FAQs
Can I use ground beef or turkey instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Ground beef or turkey works well. Just be sure to season it with some Italian herbs (like oregano, basil, and a pinch of fennel seed) to mimic the flavor profile of Italian sausage.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, omit the sausage and instead, sauté mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or a plant-based sausage alternative. You can also add a can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans for extra protein and texture.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the sausage and tomato sauce a day or two in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and cook fresh pasta to combine.
What kind of pasta works best?
Short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, rotini, or orecchiette are fantastic because they really capture the hearty sauce. However, feel free to use your favorite pasta shape!
There you have it – a truly delectable and effortlessly simple Quick Sausage and Tomato Pasta that's ready to rescue your weeknights! This recipe proves that you don't need to spend hours in the kitchen to create a meal that's bursting with flavor and warmth. So go ahead, give it a try, and let me know how it brightens your dinner table. Happy cooking, friends!
