Creamy Tomato Sausage Pasta

A rich and comforting pasta dish featuring savory sausage, a creamy tomato sauce, and al dente penne: perfect for busy weeknights.

I first made this creamy tomato and sausage pasta on a hectic Tuesday evening when we needed something delicious but simple: everyone loved it and asked for seconds.

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

Cook Pasta:

Boil penne pasta in salted water according to package until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.

Prepare Sausage:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage, breaking it up, and cook until browned, about 4 minutes.

Sauté Aromatics:

Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 2 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

Make Sauce:

Pour in crushed tomatoes, Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 3 minutes.

Add Cream:

Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream, season with salt and pepper, and simmer gently for 2 minutes.

Combine:

Add drained pasta to sauce, tossing to coat. Add reserved pasta water if needed.

Finish:

Stir in Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, garnished with basil or parsley.

Save It

This pasta quickly became a family favorite: even picky eaters cleared their plates and asked when we would make it next.

Required Tools

Large pot, large skillet, wooden spoon or spatula, knife and cutting board, cheese grater

Allergen Information

Contains gluten, dairy, and pork: check sausage and cheese for traces of nuts or additional allergens

Nutritional Information

Per serving: 620 calories, 29 g fat, 60 g carbohydrates, 28 g protein

Save It

This creamy tomato sausage pasta is the perfect answer to busy nights: everyone will want seconds, so make plenty!

Common Questions About Recipes

→ What pasta is best for this dish?

Penne works well as it holds the sauce nicely, but rigatoni or ziti are good alternatives.

→ Can I use a different meat?

Chicken or turkey sausage can be substituted for a leaner option while keeping similar flavors.

→ How do I make the sauce creamier?

Adding a bit more heavy cream or substituting with half-and-half will yield a richer texture.

→ Can vegetables be added?

Yes, baby spinach or sun-dried tomatoes can be stirred into the sauce in the simmering step for extra nutrition.

→ How to prevent the sauce from being too thick?

Reserve some pasta cooking water and add it as needed to loosen the sauce for better coating.