Sausage Tomato Pasta Recipe: A Flavorful Feast
This delicious sausage tomato pasta recipe is easy to make, yet bursting with flavor. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend meal. This guide will walk you through each step, offering tips and variations to make this recipe your own.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe serves 4-6 people. Adjust ingredient quantities as needed.
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed (sweet or spicy, your choice!)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 lb pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape)
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving, optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Brown the Sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
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Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Simmer the Sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (undrained), oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will become.
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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.
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Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little pasta water at a time 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 desired.
Tips for the Best Sausage Tomato Pasta:
- Sausage Choice: Experiment with different types of Italian sausage – sweet, spicy, or even a blend!
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the heat.
- Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh oregano and basil, use them instead of dried – the flavor will be significantly brighter.
- Wine Enhancement: Add a splash of dry red wine to the sauce for extra depth of flavor.
- Vegetable Boost: Add other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the sauce for a more substantial meal.
- Creamy Variation: Stir in a dollop of heavy cream or crème fraîche at the end for a creamier sauce.
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