Save A rich and comforting pasta dish featuring savory sausage, a creamy tomato sauce, and al dente penne—perfect for busy weeknights.
I first cooked this creamy tomato and sausage pasta when looking for a hearty meal to warm up after a long day. The flavors came together so beautifully that my family requests it every week.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 350 g (12 oz) penne pasta
- Meats: 300 g (10 oz) Italian sausage, casings removed, 1 tbsp olive oil
- Vegetables & Aromatics: 1 small onion, finely chopped, 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Sauce: 400 g (14 oz) canned crushed tomatoes, 120 ml (1/2 cup) heavy cream, 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, or mixed), 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional), Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Cheese & Garnish: 40 g (1/3 cup) grated Parmesan cheese, Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Boil the pasta
- Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Brown the sausage
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 4 minutes.
- Add aromatics
- Add chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 2 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Create sauce
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 3 minutes.
- Finish sauce
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream, season with salt and black pepper, and let the sauce simmer gently for 2 minutes.
- Combine pasta and sauce
- Add the drained pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. Add some reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Garnish and serve
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley.
Save This pasta always brings everyone together at our dinner table. My kids love helping add the cheese and herbs right before serving.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, wooden spoon or spatula, knife and cutting board, cheese grater
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), dairy (Parmesan, cream), pork (if using traditional sausage). Check cheese and sausage labels for specific allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 620, Total Fat: 29 g, Carbohydrates: 60 g, Protein: 28 g (per serving)
Save Serve this creamy pasta hot for maximum comfort. It tastes even better with a crisp green salad.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Penne pasta is ideal as it holds the creamy tomato sauce well, but rigatoni or fusilli can also work.
- → Can I use other types of sausage?
Yes, chicken or turkey sausage are great lean alternatives to Italian sausage and still provide savory flavor.
- → How can I make the sauce creamier?
Stir in heavy cream towards the end of cooking to create a rich, silky sauce; half-and-half can be used for a lighter version.
- → What herbs complement the tomato sausage sauce?
Dried basil, oregano, or Italian herb blends add a fragrant, classic touch to the sauce.
- → Is it necessary to reserve pasta water?
Yes, adding reserved pasta water helps loosen and bind the sauce, ensuring it coats the pasta smoothly.