Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta
A creamy tomato-based pasta dish featuring spicy Italian sausage, garlic, and fresh basil, perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Notes
For a milder version, use sweet Italian sausage instead of spicy. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad and crusty bread.
Instructions
- 1
Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- 2
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- 3
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- 4
Sprinkle flour over the garlic and stir to combine.
- 5
Gradually whisk in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- 6
Add diced tomatoes and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- 7
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes, until slightly thickened.
- 8
Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 9
Add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- 10
Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan and basil if desired.