Name: Tomato Pasta Italian Sausage: A Delicious & Easy Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 6-8 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound Italian sausage, sweet or hot (or a mix!), casings removed; 1 large onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes; 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce; 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick!); 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 1 pound pasta (spaghetti, penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape); 1 cup reserved pasta water

Tomato pasta Italian sausage, a symphony of flavors in a single bowl, is about to become your new weeknight staple. Imagine twirling perfectly cooked pasta, coated in a rich, vibrant tomato sauce, punctuated by the savory bite of Italian sausage. Are you already salivating? I know I am! This isn't just another pasta dish; it's a culinary hug that warms you from the inside out.

While the exact origins are debated, the combination of tomato sauce, pasta, and sausage is deeply rooted in Italian-American cuisine. It's a dish born from the ingenuity of Italian immigrants who adapted traditional recipes using readily available ingredients in their new homeland. Think of it as a celebration of family, tradition, and the simple joy of sharing a delicious meal.

What makes tomato pasta Italian sausage so irresistible? It's the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy notes. The acidity of the tomatoes cuts through the richness of the sausage, creating a harmonious blend that dances on your palate. Plus, it's incredibly versatile! You can customize it with your favorite vegetables, herbs, and spices to create a dish that's uniquely yours. And let's be honest, who can resist the comforting aroma of simmering tomato sauce and browned sausage filling the kitchen? Get ready to experience a taste of Italy, right in your own home!

Ingredients:

1 pound Italian sausage, sweet or hot (or a mix!), casings removed
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick!)
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 pound pasta (spaghetti, penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape)
1 cup reserved pasta water

Preparing the Sausage and Sauce Base:

Brown the Sausage: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 7-10 minutes. Make sure to crumble the sausage well so you don't have large chunks.
Sauté the Aromatics: Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside. Leave any rendered fat in the pot – this adds tons of flavor! Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
Build the Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remember, you can always add more seasoning later, but it's harder to take it away!
Simmer the Sauce: Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. I usually give it a good stir every 15 minutes.

Cooking the Pasta:

Boil the Water: While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. The water should be generously salted – think "sea water" salty. This seasons the pasta from the inside out.
Cook the Pasta: Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Al dente means "to the tooth" in Italian – the pasta should be firm to the bite, not mushy.
Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water. This starchy water is liquid gold and will help to create a creamy, emulsified sauce. Trust me, don't skip this step!
Drain the Pasta: Drain the pasta in a colander. Don't rinse it unless you're making a cold pasta salad. Rinsing removes the starch that helps the sauce cling to the pasta.

Combining Pasta and Sauce:

Combine: Add the drained pasta to the pot with the sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water at a time, tossing until the desired consistency is reached. The pasta water will also help to create a creamy, emulsified sauce.
Add Finishing Touches: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss again to combine.
Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if desired. A side of crusty bread is also a great addition for soaking up all that delicious sauce!

Tips and Variations:

Spice it up: For a spicier sauce, use hot Italian sausage or add more red pepper flakes. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the sauce, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. Sauté them along with the onion and garlic.
Use different meats: If you're not a fan of Italian sausage, you can use ground beef, ground turkey, or even pancetta.
Make it vegetarian: Omit the sausage and add more vegetables for a vegetarian version. You can also add a can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans for added protein.
Add cream: For a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end.
Slow Cooker Option: You can easily adapt this recipe for the slow cooker. Brown the sausage and sauté the onion and garlic as directed. Then, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Freezing Instructions: This sauce freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Fresh Herbs: While dried herbs work well, fresh herbs will elevate the flavor even more. If using fresh herbs, use about 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh oregano and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh basil. Add them towards the end of the cooking time to preserve their flavor.
Wine Addition: For a richer, more complex flavor, add 1/2 cup of dry red wine (like Chianti or Merlot) after sautéing the onions and garlic. Let the wine simmer for a few minutes to reduce slightly before adding the tomatoes.
Sugar Adjustment: Depending on the acidity of your tomatoes, you might want to add a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and add more to taste.
Cheese Choices: While Parmesan is a classic choice, you can also use Pecorino Romano or a blend of Italian cheeses.
Garlic Bread Pairing: Serve this pasta with a side of homemade garlic bread for a truly satisfying meal.
Pasta Shapes: While spaghetti is a popular choice, feel free to experiment with different pasta shapes. Penne, rigatoni, fusilli, and farfalle all work well with this sauce.
Tomato Quality: The quality of your tomatoes will greatly impact the flavor of the sauce. Use high-quality canned tomatoes for the best results. San Marzano tomatoes are a great option if you can find them.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese.
Pair with a side salad and crusty bread.
Enjoy with a glass of red wine.

Enjoy your delicious homemade tomato pasta with Italian sausage!

Conclusion:

So there you have it! This isn't just another pasta recipe; it's a flavor explosion waiting to happen. The combination of sweet, tangy tomatoes, savory Italian sausage, and perfectly cooked pasta creates a symphony of tastes that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. I truly believe this Tomato Pasta with Italian Sausage is a must-try for anyone who loves Italian comfort food.

But the best part? It's incredibly versatile! Feel free to get creative and make it your own. Looking for some serving suggestions? A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the pasta beautifully. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese is always a welcome addition, and a crusty loaf of bread is perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while the sauce is simmering. If you're watching your carb intake, try serving it over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lighter, healthier option. You could even toss in some spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for an extra boost of nutrients.

And speaking of variations, the possibilities are endless! If you're not a fan of Italian sausage, you can easily substitute it with ground beef, turkey, or even plant-based sausage crumbles. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the sausage altogether and add some roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant. If you want to add a creamy element, stir in a dollop of ricotta cheese or mascarpone at the end. You can also experiment with different types of pasta, such as penne, rigatoni, or farfalle. Don't be afraid to get creative and use what you have on hand!

I've made this Tomato Pasta with Italian Sausage countless times, and it's always a crowd-pleaser. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner, a casual gathering with friends, or even a special occasion. It's also a great make-ahead meal – the flavors actually deepen and meld together even more when it sits in the refrigerator overnight. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container and reheat it thoroughly before serving.

I'm so confident that you're going to love this recipe. It's simple, flavorful, and satisfying – everything you could want in a pasta dish. So, what are you waiting for? Head to the kitchen, gather your ingredients, and get cooking! I promise you won't be disappointed.

But most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try the recipe? Did you make any modifications? What did you think? Please, share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. I'm always eager to learn from my readers and see how they've put their own spin on my recipes. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me to create even better content in the future. So, don't be shy – let me know what you think! Happy cooking!

I truly hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. It's a staple in my household, and I know it will become one in yours too. Remember, cooking should be fun and enjoyable, so don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own. And most importantly, don't forget to share your culinary creations with the people you love. After all, food is meant to be shared and enjoyed together. Bon appétit!