Sausage Pasta Tomato Recipe: A Flavorful Italian Delight

This blog post provides a simple yet delicious recipe for Sausage Pasta with Tomato Sauce. We'll cover everything from ingredient selection to cooking techniques, ensuring you create a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home. This recipe is easily adaptable to your spice preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe serves 4-6 people. Adjust quantities as needed.

• Sausage: 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, your choice!), casings removed. You can also substitute with ground Italian sausage for easier cooking.
• Pasta: 1 lb pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape)
• Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• Garlic: 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• Canned Tomatoes: 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
• Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
• Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon
• Dried Basil: 1 teaspoon
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 teaspoon (or more, to taste)
• Salt: To taste
• Black Pepper: To taste
• Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup, chopped (for garnish)
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high 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. Drain off any excess grease.

2. Sauté Aromatics: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the chopped onion 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.

3. Build the Sauce: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for at least 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will become.

4. Cook the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.

5. Combine and Serve: Add the cooked sausage back to the tomato sauce. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

6. Garnish and Enjoy: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese (if using).

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: Add more red pepper flakes for extra heat, or include a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Add vegetables: Enhance the recipe with bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. Sauté them with the onions and garlic.
• Creamy Sausage Pasta: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian alternative.
• Make it a complete meal: Serve with a side salad for a balanced and satisfying meal.

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This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual weekend meal. The combination of savory sausage and tangy tomato sauce is a classic for a reason! Enjoy!