Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe: A Flavorful Feast
This Italian sausage pasta recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet elegant enough for a weekend gathering. It's packed with flavor, thanks to the savory Italian sausage, vibrant vegetables, and a rich, creamy tomato sauce. This recipe is easily adaptable to your taste and what you have on hand – feel free to experiment with different vegetables or spices!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe serves 4-6 people. Adjust quantities as needed.
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed (sweet or hot, your choice!)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 pound pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the Italian sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
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Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and bell peppers to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Stir in the oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes for a richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the better it tastes!
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Cook the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente.
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Combine and Serve: Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the skillet with the sausage and sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly.
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Garnish and Enjoy: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips and Variations:
- Add other vegetables: Mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or carrots would all be delicious additions to this recipe.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or crème fraîche at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
- Add protein: Ground beef or turkey can be substituted for the Italian sausage.
- Vegetarian option: Omit the sausage and add a can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans for a hearty vegetarian version.
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