Italian Sausage Recipes With Pasta: 12 Mouthwatering Dishes You’ll Love
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A Feast for Your Taste Buds – Italian Sausage Recipes With Pasta
There’s something about the combination of rich, savory Italian sausage and perfectly cooked pasta that makes every bite a satisfying experience. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just someone looking for a quick, flavorful dinner idea, Italian sausage recipes with pasta are a perfect choice for any occasion.
When it comes to creating hearty, comforting dishes, Italian sausage pasta recipes should be at the top of your list. With their bold flavors, hearty textures, and endless variations, these dishes can be tailored to suit your preferences, whether you prefer spicy, mild, or something in between.
In this article, we’ll explore 12 mouthwatering Italian sausage pasta dishes that will elevate your meal planning and make dinner time a breeze. Whether you’re looking for a simple, easy meal or a more complex dish to impress guests, you’ll find inspiration here. Let’s dive in!
Italian Sausage Recipes With Pasta
1. Classic Spaghetti with Italian Sausage
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
This classic dish combines the comforting flavors of spaghetti and Italian sausage, topped with marinara sauce and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. It’s the perfect go-to dinner when you need something quick yet flavorful.
Ingredients
- Spaghetti – 400g
- Italian sausage – 2 links (sweet or spicy)
- Marinara sauce – 1 jar
- Fresh Parmesan cheese – ½ cup
Method
- Cook the Spaghetti: Begin by cooking your spaghetti according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture.
- Cook the Sausage: In a large pan, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat. Once cooked, slice the sausage into bite-sized pieces.
- Simmer the Sauce: Add the marinara sauce to the pan with the sausage and simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Combine and Serve: Toss the spaghetti with the sausage and sauce, then top with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
2. Sausage and Peppers Penne
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
This dish combines spicy sausage, sautéed bell peppers, and penne pasta for a flavorful and colorful meal. It’s a quick and easy option for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- Penne pasta – 400g
- Italian sausage – 2 links
- Bell peppers (red, green, or yellow) – 2 large
- Olive oil – 2 tbsp
Method
- Cook the Penne: Boil the penne pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Peppers: Slice the bell peppers and sauté them in olive oil until they begin to soften, about 5-7 minutes.
- Cook the Sausage: In another pan, brown the Italian sausage and slice it into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine: Add the sausage to the sautéed peppers and toss with the cooked penne. Serve hot for a colorful and delicious meal.
3. Creamy Sausage and Spinach Fettuccine
Preparation Time: 35 minutes
For a creamy and indulgent twist, this dish brings together Italian sausage, spinach, and fettuccine pasta in a luscious garlic cream sauce. It’s the ultimate comfort food.
Ingredients
- Fettuccine – 400g
- Italian sausage – 2 links
- Fresh spinach – 3 cups
- Heavy cream – 1 cup
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
Method
- Cook the Fettuccine: Cook the fettuccine in salted water until al dente, then set it aside.
- Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet, brown the sausage and slice it.
- Prepare the Sauce: Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add Spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
- Combine: Toss the cooked fettuccine with the sausage and creamy sauce until evenly coated. Serve immediately.
4. Sausage and Mushroom Rigatoni Bake
Preparation Time: 45 minutes
This cheesy baked rigatoni dish is loaded with Italian sausage and mushrooms, then topped with gooey mozzarella cheese. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner with family or friends.
Ingredients
- Rigatoni – 400g
- Italian sausage – 2 links
- Mushrooms – 1 cup, sliced
- Mozzarella cheese – 1 cup, shredded
Method
- Cook the Rigatoni: Boil the rigatoni pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Cook the Sausage: Brown the sausage in a pan, then remove and slice it.
- Sauté the Mushrooms: In the same pan, sauté sliced mushrooms until tender.
- Assemble the Bake: In a baking dish, combine the rigatoni, sausage, mushrooms, and half of the mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Orecchiette
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
This southern Italian-inspired dish pairs orecchiette pasta with Italian sausage and the slightly bitter taste of broccoli rabe for a perfect balance of flavors.
Ingredients
- Orecchiette – 400g
- Italian sausage – 2 links
- Broccoli rabe – 2 cups
- Garlic – 2 cloves
Method
- Cook the Orecchiette: Boil the orecchiette pasta in salted water, then drain and set aside.
- Blanch the Broccoli Rabe: In a separate pot, blanch the broccoli rabe by boiling it for 3-4 minutes and then draining.
- Cook the Sausage: Brown the sausage in a pan, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Combine: Toss the sausage, broccoli rabe, and orecchiette together for a flavorful and slightly bitter dish.
6. Sausage and Tomato Pasta
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
A simple yet delicious option, this dish combines Italian sausage, ripe tomatoes, and pasta for a meal that’s both quick and satisfying.
Ingredients
- Fusilli or spaghetti – 400g
- Italian sausage – 2 links
- Fresh tomatoes – 4 medium
- Fresh basil – 1 tbsp
Method
- Cook the Pasta: Boil your pasta according to package directions.
- Cook the Sausage: Brown the sausage in a pan and slice it.
- Prepare the Sauce: Add chopped tomatoes and basil to the pan, cooking until the sauce thickens.
- Combine: Toss the sausage and sauce with the cooked pasta for a light, fresh dish.
7-12: Additional Italian Sausage Pasta Recipes
- Sausage and Zucchini Lasagna: Layers of pasta, sausage, and zucchini in a rich tomato sauce.
- Sausage and Ricotta Stuffed Shells: Jumbo pasta shells stuffed with ricotta cheese and sausage.
- Spicy Sausage Alfredo Pasta: Creamy Alfredo sauce with spicy sausage and pasta.
- Sausage and Artichoke Linguine: Linguine pasta with a tangy sausage and artichoke sauce.
- Sausage and Roasted Red Pepper Tortellini: Tortellini stuffed with sausage and roasted red peppers.
- Sausage and Kale Pasta Soup: A hearty soup filled with sausage, kale, and pasta.
Tips for Perfect Italian Sausage Pasta Every Time
- Use Fresh Sausage: Fresh sausage adds more flavor and moisture to your dishes than pre-cooked varieties.
- Don’t Overcook Pasta: Keep your pasta al dente for better texture and sauce absorption.
- Experiment with Pasta Shapes: Different pasta shapes, such as penne or orecchiette, hold sauces better.
- Balance Flavors: Pair spicy sausage with milder ingredients like cream or spinach to balance the heat.
Italian Sausage Recipes With Pasta
Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Sausage Recipes With Pasta
Q1: Can I use ground sausage instead of links?
Yes, ground sausage is a great alternative and will cook faster. Just be sure to break it up into small pieces while cooking.
Q2: What is the best pasta to use with Italian sausage?
Penne, rigatoni, and orecchiette work well because their shapes hold the sauce and sausage bits.
Q3: Can I make these dishes ahead of time?
Yes, many of these dishes, like baked pasta, can be assembled ahead of time and baked when ready.
Conclusion: Enjoy the Best Italian Sausage Pasta Recipes
Whether you’re in the mood for something hearty and comforting or a light, fresh meal, these Italian sausage recipes with pasta have something for everyone. From spicy sausage and penne to creamy fettuccine and veggie-loaded lasagna, these recipes are sure to please your palate and satisfy your hunger.
Take a step into the world of delicious, homemade pasta dishes today!
