If you're in the mood for something hearty and comforting, this spicy sausage pasta is the perfect dish. It's packed with flavor, and the addition of a little crushed red pepper gives it just enough spice. Plus, it comes together in under an hour, so it's perfect for busy weeknights meal. Give it a try tonight it will probably become one of your new favorite recipes!

If you love pasta, try this Dutch Oven One Pot Pasta. This is the perfect recipe if you need to be able to throw all of your ingredients into one pot and have a delicious, home-cooked meal on the table in less than 20 minutes
Why you will love this recipe
Spicy Sausage Pasta is the perfect meal to cook when you're in the mood for something delicious and flavorful. It's a simple meal to prepare and only takes 30 minutes from start to finish, yet it tastes like it was made by a professional chef. The spicy sausage adds just the right kick of flavor while the creamy sauce makes it extra indulgent. Plus, it's made with simple ingredients that you can easily find at grocery stores. If you've been looking for a recipe that's equal parts spicy and satisfying, Spicy Sausage Pasta is the perfect dish for you.
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Ingredients
Penne pasta: Penne pasta is an ideal choice for this spicy sausage pasta recipe. It has a robust texture, making it ideal for holding up to the bold flavors of the dish. Penne is also great for scooping up sauce and cheese, adding another layer of flavor to each bite
Olive oil
Hot Italian sausages: you can also use mild Italian sausage if you don't like spicy foods.
Shallots
Diced tomatoes: with juices or crushed tomatoes
Garlic powder
Dried oregano
Red pepper flakes: If it's your first time making this dish, go easy on the red pepper flakes, and adjust them to your liking.
Salt
Black pepper
Half and half: Half and half has a rich, creamy texture that adds body to dishes without being too heavy
Grated parmesan: It has a sharp, robust flavor with a slightly nutty aftertaste. It adds depth and complexity to the dish
Fresh basil
See the recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
In a large pot of water, cook pasta al dente according to the instructions.
Remove the inside of the sausage meat from the casing.
In a large skillet or a large pan over medium-high heat add the olive oil, once out add the sausage meat and shallot.
Cook and crumble the meat hit with a wooden spoon, until it’s fully cooked. About 10 minutes.
Add the tomatoes, oregano, and garlic powder, reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
Add the half and half and grated parmesan.
Cook for 5 minutes.
Add the cooked pasta, mix to coat the pasta with the sauce and you are ready to serve.
Garnish with fresh basil and more grated parmesan if desired.
Variations
If you're looking for a different twist on this dish, you could try using different types of sausage or pasta. You could also add in some vegetables, such as mushrooms, fresh spinach, or bell pepper.
For an even creamier dish, you could try using heavy cream instead of half and half.
For a healthier version use turkey sausage
If you don't have shallot use chopped onion instead.
Storage
This spicy sausage pasta dish can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days. To reheat, place the dish in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through.
This dish can also be frozen for up to three months. Be sure to cool the pasta completely before storing it in an air-tight container or freezer bag. When ready to reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and then place in a saucepan on medium heat until fully warmed through. You can double the recipe a have a delicious dinner ready for you on busy nights.
Tips
- I recommend using a good quality Parmesan cheese for this dish.
- If you don't have fresh basil, you can use 1 teaspoon of dried basil instead.
- Make sure to cook the pasta al dente according to the instructions, as you don't want it to be too mushy.
- Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste. You may want to add more or less of the red pepper flakes, depending on how spicy you like your food.
- When reheating this dish if the sauce is too thick add ½ cup of chicken broth to the pasta
FAQ
Yes, you can definitely use a different type of pasta for this recipe. For example, fettuccine or linguine would both be great options to replace the penne. Orzo is also a good option if you're looking for something smaller and more delicate.
This spicy sausage pasta dish pairs perfectly with a variety of sides, such as a fresh salad with light vinaigrette, garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or even a simple side of steamed broccoli.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Spicy Sausage Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 lb penne pasta uncooked
- 1 tablesppon Olive oil
- 2 Italian sausages you can also use mild Italian sausage if you don't like spicy foods
- 2 Shallots chopped
- 1 can (28oz) Diced tomatoes with juice or crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 Teaspoon Dried oregano
- Pinch of red pepper flakes if it's the first time making this dish, go easy on the red pepper flakes, taste and adjust it to your liking
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 cup Half & half
- ½ cup Parmesan grated
- 1 tablespoon Fresh basil
Instructions
- In a large pot of water, cook pasta al dente according to the instructions.
- Remove the inside of the sausage meat from the casing.
- In a large skillet or a large pan over medium-high heat add the olive oil, once out add the sausage meat and shallot.
- Cook and crumble the meat hit with a wooden spoon, until it’s fully cooked. About 10 minutes.
- Add the tomatoes, oregano, and garlic powder, reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add the half and half and grated parmesan and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta, mix to coat the pasta with the sauce and you are ready to serve.
- Garnish with fresh basil and more grated parmesan if desired.
Notes
- I recommend using good-quality Parmesan cheese for this dish.
- If you don't have fresh basil, you can use 1 teaspoon of dried basil instead.
- Make sure to cook the pasta al dente according to the instructions, as you don't want it to be too mushy.
- Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste. You may want to add more or less of the red pepper flakes, depending on how spicy you like your food.
- When reheating this dish if the sauce is too thick add ½ cup of chicken broth to the pasta
Gloria
We love pasta. The combination of pasta and sausage is delicious. A great dinner for any night of the week.
Jenny
Penne is one of my favorite pastas. We enjoy how the ingredients work so well together. This is a delicious spicy sausage recipe.
Sharon
It doesn't get better than an easy pasta dish like this with traditional flavors but a generous kick from the red pepper flakes.
Amy
This creamy sausage pasta is a flavor-packed comfort food that's quick and easy to make. Very delicious and satisfying!
Sophie Viau
I'm glad to hear you enjoyed the creamy sausage pasta! It's definitely a comforting and flavorful dish.
Dennis
What a delicious pasta dish! I made this for dinner last night and my family gobbled it up! No leftovers for my lunch today, but that's a good thing.
Sophie Viau
I'm delighted to hear that your family enjoyed the pasta dish! It's always a good sign when there are no leftovers because everyone loved it.
Alex
This pasta had just the right amount of heat! And love the sausage in there. I'm going to make this again next week! Super easy and delicious.
Sophie Viau
I'm thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the pasta with the right amount of heat and the addition of sausage. It sounds like you have a delicious plan for next week!
Monica
I love the ease of this but it certainly tastes like something restaurant-worthy! A new favorite weeknight meal to be sure.
Sophie Viau
That's fantastic to hear! Creating restaurant-worthy meals at home with ease is always a win. I'm delighted you found a new favorite weeknight meal.
Tristin
This pasta dish was easy and quick enough to make for a weeknight dinner. So good topped with the fresh basil. My kids ate every bite!
Sophie Viau
It's wonderful to hear that your kids enjoyed this pasta dish, especially with the fresh basil topping. Quick and tasty weeknight dinners are always a hit, and it sounds like this one was a success in your household.
Susan
I love adding spinach to pasta dishes like this, so thanks for that idea in the variations! I can't wait to make this!
Hayley
I love pasta recipes and I am always on the lookout for new ones! The flavours in your recipe are absolutely incredible! This one is going to be a regular now!!
Sophie Viau
I'm delighted to hear that you enjoyed the flavors in this pasta recipe! It's always great to find new favorite recipes to add to your regular rotation.