Spicy Sausage Pasta

Spicy Sausage Pasta is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines the kick of spicy sausage with a creamy, tangy sauce. Here’s a recipe to make this hearty meal:

Ingredients:

• For the Pasta:
• 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape)
• Salt for pasta water
• For the Sauce:
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lb (450 g) spicy Italian sausage (casings removed)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
• Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

1. Prepare the Sauce:

• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat.
• Add the spicy Italian sausage. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside. Leave any fat and juices in the skillet.
• In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant.
• Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juices) and tomato sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
• Add the heavy cream and chicken or vegetable broth. Stir to combine.
• Season with red pepper flakes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
• Add the cooked sausage back into the skillet and simmer for an additional 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

1. Combine Pasta and Sauce:

• Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to combine, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water if needed to help the sauce coat the pasta evenly.
• Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated.

1. Serve:

• Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
• Serve hot, with additional Parmesan cheese on the side if you like.

This Spicy Sausage Pasta is a great option for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat. Enjoy the rich, spicy flavors and creamy sauce!