Italian Sausage with Tomatoes and Penne

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Italian Sausage with Tomatoes and Penne, a hearty, one-skillet pasta dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining. This recipe combines tender penne pasta with savory Italian sausage, a rich tomato sauce made from crushed and fresh cherry tomatoes, and aromatic spices like oregano, basil, and red chili flakes for a subtle kick. The balance of bold flavors is elevated with a touch of garlic, freshly grated Parmesan, and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a vibrant finish. Ready in just 40 minutes, this easy-to-make dish is a crowd-pleaser that brings the authentic taste of Italian comfort food to your table. Serve it with crusty bread and a crisp green salad for a complete meal that satisfies every craving!

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot, based on preference)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 28 oz crushed tomatoes (canned)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 0.5 tsp red chili flakes
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
• 4 quarts water
• 2 tbsp salt (for pasta water)

Directions

Step 1

Bring 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Add 2 tablespoons of salt to the water, then add the penne pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 3

Remove the casing from the Italian sausage and add the sausage to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels.

Step 4

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 5

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add the halved cherry tomatoes. Stir to combine.

Step 6

Season the tomato mixture with dried oregano, dried basil, red chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. Let it simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 7

Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir it into the tomato sauce. Simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 8

Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly in the sauce.

Step 9

Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley for garnish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(5648.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2999.9

Total Fat 144.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 44.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 306.8mg	0%
Sodium 20464.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 312.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 28.7g	0%
Total Sugars 33.7g
Protein 135.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 970.3mg	0%
Iron 24.3mg	0%
Potassium 3861.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 42.0%

Protein: 17.5%

Carbs: 40.5%