Name: Italian Sausage Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed); 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your choice); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion, chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional); 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese; Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Italian sausage pasta is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s easy to whip up and packed with savory goodness. Tender pasta is tossed in a rich tomato-based sauce loaded with crumbled Italian sausage, garlic, herbs, and a touch of cream or cheese for depth. I love how this simple recipe delivers comfort and bold taste in every bite—perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this dish combines bold Italian flavors with satisfying, comforting pasta. The sausage adds spice and richness, while the sauce clings to every piece of pasta. It’s incredibly easy to customize, reheats well, and tastes like something I’d order at a rustic Italian trattoria. Best of all, it comes together quickly with pantry staples and a single skillet.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape)
olive oil
onion (chopped)
garlic cloves (minced)
crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
Italian seasoning
salt
pepper
red pepper flakes (optional)
heavy cream or half-and-half (optional, for a creamy version)
grated parmesan cheese
fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

I cook the pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain and set it aside.
In a large skillet, I heat olive oil and cook the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
I add the chopped onion and cook until soft, then stir in the garlic and cook for about 1 minute more.
I pour in the crushed tomatoes, season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if I want heat. I let the sauce simmer for 10–15 minutes.
If I’m making a creamy version, I stir in a splash of cream at the end for richness.
I add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together, letting it simmer for a few minutes so the sauce thickens and coats the pasta.
I top it with freshly grated parmesan and chopped herbs before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

I sometimes add sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to the sauce for extra veggies. For a lighter version, I use turkey sausage or plant-based sausage. I’ve also swapped in a can of diced tomatoes with basil and garlic for extra flavor. When I want more creaminess, I increase the cream and add a handful of shredded mozzarella for a cheesy finish.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm it in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth, or microwave it in 1-minute bursts, stirring in between. The flavors deepen as it sits, so it’s great for meal prep or next-day lunches.

FAQs

Can I make this with pre-cooked sausage?

Yes, I’ve used sliced pre-cooked sausage before. I just brown it lightly in the skillet to enhance the flavor before adding the other ingredients.

What pasta works best for this recipe?

I like short pasta like penne or rigatoni because they hold the sauce well, but any pasta shape I have on hand works.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, I just skip the cream and cheese or use dairy-free alternatives. The tomato sauce alone still gives it plenty of flavor.

How do I make it less spicy?

I use mild sausage and skip the red pepper flakes if I want a gentler version. A splash of cream also mellows the heat.

Can I freeze this pasta?

Yes, it freezes well. I let it cool completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. I thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat as usual.

Conclusion

Italian sausage pasta is one of my favorite go-to meals for when I want something comforting, flavorful, and satisfying. It’s easy to make, endlessly versatile, and perfect for feeding a hungry family or prepping meals for the week. With every bite full of hearty sausage and rich tomato flavor, it’s the kind of dish that always leaves me going back for seconds.

Olivia