Penne Pasta with Sausage and Spicy Tomato Sauce

Indulge in the rich and hearty flavors of Penne Pasta with Sausage and Spicy Tomato Sauce—an irresistible weeknight dinner that packs a punch! This Italian-inspired dish combines tender penne pasta with savory Italian sausage, perfectly browned for depth of flavor. A robust, zesty tomato sauce infused with garlic, red chili flakes, oregano, and fresh basil brings the perfect balance of spice and aromatic delight. Finished with a touch of Parmesan, this one-pan wonder is as comforting as it is satisfying. Quick to prepare in just 45 minutes and ideal for spicy pasta lovers, this meal is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Serve it with crusty bread and a fresh salad for a complete, restaurant-quality experience at home!

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams penne pasta
• 400 grams Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.5 teaspoons red chili flakes
• 800 grams canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 10 leaves fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 0 optional Parmesan cheese, grated, for serving

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove the casings from the Italian sausage and add the sausage to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3

In the same skillet, add the diced onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened, then add the minced garlic and red chili flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Stir in the canned crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5

Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir to combine with the tomato sauce. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.

Step 6

Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet and toss it in the sauce until well coated. Cook for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 7

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the fresh basil leaves.

Step 8

Serve the pasta hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1802.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2998.2

Total Fat 123.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 33.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 238.3mg	0%
Sodium 6192.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 369.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 32.1g	0%
Total Sugars 46.3g
Protein 121.9g	0%

Vitamin D 2IU	0%
Calcium 424.3mg	0%
Iron 28.2mg	0%
Potassium 4981.8mg	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: 36.1%

Protein: 15.8%

Carbs: 48.1%