Sausage and Tomato Pasta Recipe

Sausage and Tomato Pasta is an easy 30-minute dinner made with Italian sausage, fresh tomatoes and basil. A quick, flavorful pasta perfect for busy nights.

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Servings servings

Calories 500kcal

Author Leigh Anne Wilkes

Equipment

Ingredients

8 oz. penne pasta uncooked
8 oz. sweet or mild Italian sausage ground
2 tsp olive oil
1 cup onion diced
2 tsp garlic minced
1 1/4 lbs. tomatoes chopped
6 Tbsp Parmesan cheese grated and divided
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup basil leaves torn or chopped

Instructions

Cook pasta according to package directions, drain.
Heat a non stick pan over medium high heat, Add oil to pan.
Add sausage and onion and cook for 4-5 minutes or until sausage is cooked through and crumbly.
Add garlic and tomatoes and cook for 2 -3 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in pasta. Add 2 Tbsp cheese, salt and pepper to taste.
Sprinkle top with remaining cheese and basil.

Notes

Use ripe tomatoes. Since fresh tomatoes are an important part of this recipe, use the ripest, most flavorful tomatoes you can find. Garden tomatoes are especially delicious.
Don't overcook the tomatoes. You want the tomatoes to soften and release some of their juices while still keeping some of their fresh flavor and texture.
Salt your pasta water. Be generous with the salt. It's your opportunity to season the pasta itself and makes a big difference in the finished dish.
Cook the pasta just until al dente. The pasta will continue to absorb some of the sauce after everything is combined, so avoid overcooking it.
Adjust the heat. Use mild Italian sausage for a family-friendly version or hot Italian sausage if you like a little more spice.
You can use any kind of noodle you like, but corkscrew pasta helps hold onto your pasta sauce.
Rinse your pasta in a colander after cooking to remove any excess starch and to help stop the noodles from sticking together.

Nutrition