Hearty pasta with spicy Italian sausage in a simple tomato sauce - this satisfying 5-ingredient dish delivers classic Italian comfort food flavors in just 20 minutes.
Recipe Details
Ingredients
- 500g spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
- 400g penne pasta
- 800g crushed tomatoes
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 100g Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
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Cook 400g penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 240ml (1 cup) pasta water before draining.
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While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 500g spicy Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through.
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Add 4 cloves garlic to the sausage and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
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Pour in 800g crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper. Let simmer for 8-10 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
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Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sausage and tomato sauce. Toss to combine, adding pasta water as needed to achieve desired consistency.
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Remove from heat and stir in half of the 100g Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately, topped with remaining Parmesan.
Tips
Sausage Selection: Use high-quality Italian sausage with fennel and red pepper flakes for the best flavor. Sweet or spicy varieties both work well.
Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water helps bind the sauce to the pasta and creates a silky texture. Always reserve some before draining.
Al Dente Pasta: Cook pasta just until al dente as it will continue cooking when tossed with the hot sauce.
Sauce Consistency: The sauce should coat the pasta but not be too thick. Add pasta water gradually until you reach the right consistency.
Cheese Quality: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and has superior flavor compared to pre-grated cheese.
Serving Ideas: Excellent with garlic bread and a simple green salad. A glass of red wine complements the rich, savory flavors perfectly.