Spicy Sausage Penne in Creamy Tomato Sauce is a bold and comforting pasta dish that features spicy Italian sausage, al dente penne pasta, and a rich, creamy tomato sauce infused with garlic and herbs. It’s a hearty, flavorful meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Full of Flavor: Spicy sausage and a velvety tomato cream sauce create a satisfying depth of taste.
- Quick and Simple: Perfect for weeknight dinners with minimal ingredients.
- Hearty and Filling: Protein-rich sausage paired with pasta ensures a satisfying meal.
- Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the spice to suit your preference.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Penne pasta
- Spicy Italian sausage (casings removed)
- Olive oil
- Onion (chopped)
- Garlic (minced)
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Canned crushed tomatoes
- Tomato paste
- Heavy cream
- Salt and black pepper
- Dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano)
- Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
Directions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil penne in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sausage and break into small pieces. Cook until browned and cooked through.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add chopped onions to the skillet and cook until soft. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, and cook briefly.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Simmer for 5–7 minutes. Add heavy cream, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Simmer for another 3–5 minutes until thickened.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked penne and reserved pasta water to the sauce. Stir until well coated and heated through.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and grated Parmesan if desired. Serve hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 servings
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Mild Option: Use sweet Italian sausage and omit red pepper flakes.
- Add Vegetables: Sauté spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
- Different Pasta: Try rigatoni, farfalle, or fettuccine for variation in texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of cream or milk to maintain the sauce’s consistency.
FAQs
Can I use chicken sausage?
Yes, chicken or turkey sausage is a great lighter alternative with similar flavor.
What kind of cream should I use?
Heavy cream or whipping cream provides the best richness and consistency.
Can I make this dish less spicy?
Omit the crushed red pepper flakes and use mild sausage to reduce heat.
Is there a dairy-free alternative to cream?
Use full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream substitute, though the flavor will vary slightly.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be made up to two days in advance and stored in the fridge.
Can I freeze this pasta?
It’s best fresh, but you can freeze it in airtight containers for up to 1 month. Reheat slowly with added liquid.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer uncovered until it reduces, or stir in a spoonful of cream cheese for a thicker texture.
What can I substitute for penne?
Rotini, rigatoni, or even spaghetti will work well in this dish.
Is it okay to add wine to the sauce?
Yes, a splash of white wine added after cooking the sausage adds depth of flavor.
What sides go well with this pasta?
A simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables pair nicely with this dish.
Conclusion
Spicy Sausage Penne in Creamy Tomato Sauce is a bold, comforting pasta dish that comes together quickly yet tastes like it’s been simmering for hours. Its rich, spicy flavor and creamy texture make it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or satisfying weekend dinners.
Print
Spicy Sausage Penne in Creamy Tomato Sauce
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings (approximately 12 rolls) 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Eastern European
- Diet: Halal
Description
Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Ground Beef and Vegetables are a hearty dish where tender cabbage leaves are filled with a seasoned beef, rice, and vegetable mixture, then baked in savory tomato sauce. Perfect for family dinners and meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 large green cabbage
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium carrot, grated
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (divided)
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried herbs (thyme, oregano, or Italian seasoning)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Core and separate cabbage leaves. Blanch for 2–3 minutes until softened. Drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, combine ground beef, cooked rice, onion, grated carrot, 1 clove garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix well.
- Place a spoonful of filling on a cabbage leaf, fold in sides, and roll tightly. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan. Sauté remaining garlic, then add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Simmer 10–15 minutes.
- Pour some sauce into a baking dish. Arrange cabbage rolls seam-side down and cover with remaining sauce.
- Cover dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour until rolls are tender and cooked through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Use ground turkey or pork for variation.
- Freeze individual rolls in sauce for up to 2 months.
- Use quinoa instead of rice for a gluten-free option.
- Tightly roll and place seam-side down to avoid unraveling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 rolls with sauce
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
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