Sausage and Tomato Pasta: A Simple, Flavorful Recipe
This recipe delivers a hearty and delicious sausage and tomato pasta dish perfect for a weeknight meal. We'll focus on simple techniques and readily available ingredients to create a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen. This guide will cover everything from ingredient selection to serving suggestions, ensuring you achieve pasta perfection.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe is easily adaptable to your preferences and what you have on hand. Feel free to experiment with different sausages and add-ins!
- Sausage: 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot, your choice!), casings removed. You can also use chorizo or other flavorful sausages.
- Pasta: 1 pound pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite short pasta works well).
- Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, chopped.
- Garlic: 3 cloves garlic, minced.
- Canned Tomatoes: 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes. San Marzano tomatoes are ideal for their rich flavor.
- Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons tomato paste.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil.
- Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon dried oregano.
- Dried Basil: 1 teaspoon dried basil.
- Red Pepper Flakes: ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat).
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Fresh Basil: A handful of fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish).
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional).
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
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Brown the Sausage: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
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Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
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Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld.
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Combine and Serve: Add the cooked sausage back to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Stir in the drained pasta. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
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Garnish and Enjoy: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese (if using).
Tips and Variations:
- Add Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value and flavor by adding vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms during the sautéing stage.
- Spice it Up: For extra heat, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Creamy Version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
- Meat Alternatives: Substitute the sausage with ground chicken, turkey, or vegetables for a leaner option.
- Different Herbs: Experiment with other herbs like thyme or rosemary.
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