If you crave a pasta dish that’s bursting with bold flavors and comforting textures, you will absolutely fall in love with this Spicy Italian Sausage Penne Pasta Recipe. It brings together perfectly al dente penne pasta with spicy, savory Italian sausage, all enveloped in a luscious, creamy tomato sauce dotted with fresh basil and topped with salty parmesan. This recipe offers a wonderful balance of heat, creaminess, and herbaceous brightness, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Every bite feels like a warm Italian hug that’s both satisfying and exciting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Spicy Italian Sausage Penne Pasta Recipe calls for straightforward ingredients, each adding its own character and charm to the dish. From the spicy sausage that delivers a bold punch, to the cream that lends a rich silkiness, every element plays a key role in making this pasta truly memorable.
- 8 ounces uncooked penne: The perfect pasta shape to hold onto the hearty sauce, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- 11 ounces hot Italian sausages: These bring the signature spicy kick and meaty depth that define the dish.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Adds aromatic warmth and a subtle bite, foundational to Italian cooking.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or white wine: Used to deglaze the pan and deepen the sauce’s flavor.
- 1/2 tablespoon flour: Helps thicken the sauce to a creamy, luscious consistency.
- 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juices): Provides a fresh, tangy base that balances the richness.
- 1/2 cup heavy/whipping cream: Adds softness and a velvety texture that transforms the sauce.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Simple seasonings that bring out all the natural flavors.
- Small handful fresh basil (sliced/torn): Offers a fragrant, herbaceous brightness that lifts the whole dish.
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese (to taste): The perfect savory finishing touch to add umami and richness.
How to Make Spicy Italian Sausage Penne Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the pasta al dente
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne and cook it just until al dente according to the package instructions. This ensures the pasta stays firm enough to hold up perfectly against the rich sauce without becoming mushy. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Brown the sausage
While the pasta cooks, carefully remove the sausage meat from its casings and crumble it into a warm skillet over medium-high heat. Let it brown nicely for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally so that the sausage breaks up evenly and develops a delicious caramelized exterior that adds complexity to the sauce.
Step 3: Drain excess fat
After the sausage has browned beautifully, transfer it to a plate. If the skillet has too much excess fat remaining, pour most of it off—this prevents the sauce from becoming greasy but keeps enough fat to carry flavor in the next steps.
Step 4: Build the sauce base
In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic to sauté briefly until fragrant. Next, pour in the chicken broth or white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom. Sprinkle the flour over the liquid and whisk to combine, cooking just until the mixture thickens slightly and reduces a bit. This stage creates the perfect base for your creamy tomato sauce.
Step 5: Add tomatoes, cream, and sausage
Pour in the canned diced tomatoes with their juices along with the heavy cream, stirring everything to combine. Return the cooked sausage to the pan and let the sauce cook for a few minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency. Taste and season generously with salt and pepper — these simple tweaks make a big difference in balancing the bold flavors.
Step 6: Finish with basil and toss with pasta
Just before serving, stir in the torn basil leaves to infuse the sauce with fresh, herbal notes. Then add the drained penne pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat every piece in that irresistible sauce. This final step merges all the elements into a harmonious plate of comfort and spice.
How to Serve Spicy Italian Sausage Penne Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing elevates this dish quite like a generous sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese. The salty, nutty flavors complement the creamy, spicy sauce perfectly. For an extra pop of color and freshness, add a few basil leaves on top. If you want a little extra heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes makes a fantastic addition as well.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette; the freshness cuts through the richness of the pasta. Garlic bread or a crusty Italian loaf is perfect for mopping up every last bit of the sauce, making the meal instantly more satisfying. Roasted or steamed veggies like broccoli or asparagus also bring a nice contrast in texture and nutrition.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant presentation, serve the Spicy Italian Sausage Penne Pasta Recipe in shallow bowls and garnish with basil chiffonade and parmesan shards. You can also plate it alongside simple antipasti like marinated olives and roasted red peppers for a full Italian-inspired spread. If cooking for a crowd, consider a large pasta buffet with toppings like extra cheese, chopped herbs, and crushed red pepper flakes on the side for guests to customize their plates.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Spicy Italian Sausage Penne Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld beautifully overnight, making leftovers even tastier. Just be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to preserve the best texture and taste.
Freezing
If you want to freeze it, portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When freezing, try to leave out the fresh basil and parmesan, adding those fresh at serving time after reheating to keep their flavors vibrant.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. Stir occasionally to heat evenly. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
FAQs
Can I use sweet Italian sausage instead of spicy?
Absolutely! Using sweet Italian sausage will mellow the heat but still provide wonderful savory flavor. You might want to add a pinch of red pepper flakes to maintain some spice.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew-based cream alternative, and use a dairy-free parmesan or nutritional yeast for topping. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and pasta separately, then combine just before serving. This keeps the pasta from getting mushy and allows you to enjoy a freshly tossed meal quickly.
What pasta can I substitute for penne?
Penne works wonderfully because its tube shape holds sauce well, but rigatoni, ziti, or even fusilli are great substitutes that will give you a similar experience.
How spicy is this recipe?
The heat mostly comes from the hot Italian sausages, which usually have a moderate spice level. If you prefer milder flavors, choose mild sausage or balance with extra cream. For more spice, add crushed red pepper flakes when cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Italian Sausage Penne Pasta Recipe has quickly become one of those dishes I turn to whenever I want something satisfying, full of flavor, and effortless to prepare. It’s the perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and fresh, making it a real winner for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how it quickly becomes a comforting favorite in your own kitchen!
Print
Spicy Italian Sausage Penne Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta is a flavorful and hearty dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. It features perfectly cooked penne pasta tossed in a creamy, spicy tomato sausage sauce infused with garlic, fresh basil, and a touch of cream, topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese for a satisfying Italian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces uncooked penne
Sausage Sauce
- 11 ounces hot Italian sausages (casings removed)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or white wine
- 1/2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or whipping cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Finishing Touches
- Small handful fresh basil, sliced or torn into small pieces
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook it al dente according to package directions, usually about 10-12 minutes. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
- Brown Sausage: Remove the sausage meat from the casings and crumble it into a skillet. Cook over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
- Drain Excess Fat: Transfer the browned sausage to a plate. If the skillet has excess fat remaining, carefully drain most of it to prevent greasiness in the sauce.
- Make Sauce Base: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth or white wine, then sprinkle the flour over the liquid. Whisk continuously until the flour has fully dissolved and scrape the browned bits from the pan bottom. Cook the mixture until it has significantly reduced, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add Tomatoes and Cream: Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the heavy cream. Return the sausage meat to the skillet. Simmer the sauce for a few minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and Serve: Just before serving, stir in the fresh basil leaves. Toss the sauce with the drained pasta until well combined. Serve topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese.
Notes
- You can substitute sweet Italian sausage if you prefer less heat.
- If you don’t have chicken broth or white wine, water can be used in a pinch, but broth adds more flavor.
- Use gluten-free pasta and flour substitutes to make this dish gluten-free.
- For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a milk alternative.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
