Save A rich and comforting pasta dish featuring savory sausage, a creamy tomato sauce, and al dente penne—perfect for busy weeknights.
Whenever my schedule gets hectic, this creamy tomato and sausage pasta is my go-to dinner. The familiar flavors and simple steps make it a weeknight hero in our house.
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
- Boil Pasta:
- Cook 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.
- Cook 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 Aromatics:
- Add chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 2 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Simmer Sauce:
- Pour in crushed tomatoes, Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 3 minutes.
- Add Cream:
- 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 & Sauce:
- Add drained pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. Add 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 My kids love helping me sprinkle Parmesan and fresh herbs on top—everyone gets their own little bowl and it's always a meal we share together.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, wooden spoon or spatula, knife and cutting board, cheese grater
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream. Try with chicken or turkey sausage, and add baby spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra nutrition and flavor. Serve with green salad and garlic bread.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 620 calories, 29 g total fat, 60 g carbohydrates, 28 g protein.
Save This creamy tomato and sausage pasta always makes dinner time easy and delicious—give it a try for your next family meal.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What pasta works best for this dish?
Penne pasta is ideal as it holds the creamy tomato sauce well, but rigatoni or fusilli can also be used for great texture and flavor absorption.
- → Can I substitute the Italian sausage?
Yes, chicken or turkey sausage can be used for a leaner option without sacrificing the savory flavor of the dish.
- → How can I make the sauce lighter?
Replacing heavy cream with half-and-half reduces richness while maintaining a creamy consistency in the tomato sauce.
- → What herbs enhance the tomato sauce?
Dried basil, oregano, or a mixed Italian herb blend add aromatic flavors that complement the sausage and creamy tomato base perfectly.
- → Can I add vegetables for extra nutrition?
Yes, adding baby spinach or sun-dried tomatoes during simmering enriches both flavor and nutritional content.