Sausage Pasta

If you are in the mood for a dinner that packs a punch, then you are in luck. This Spicy Sausage Pasta is one of those comfort foods where the flavours are bold and saucy, with a bit of heat from the sausage, making this dish a great way to warm you up on a chilly day.

If you like spicy food, and you want more heat, you can add jalapeno chilies as garnish on this dish. Cheeses that pair well with sausage pasta are grated Parmesan cheese and Grana Padano.

Historical Origins of the Sausage Pasta

Pasta and sausages have a long history in Italy. The Italians have been eating sausages for about 2000 years. The Northern parts of Italy prefer milder sausages in their pasta, whereas the Southern parts of Italy enjoy the spicier version of this dish.

There are many reasons to love this recipe; Firstly the flavours of this dish are out of this world. Secondly, with the sausages pre-seasoned in spices like fennel, garlic, and chili, you will get an exciting medley of flavours. What makes this dish unique is the fact that when you brown the sausages in a pan, the fat renders out and infuses the sauce with those spices, creating deep flavours.

What are the best sausages to use for Sausage Pasta?

Any spicy sausage will do; key ingredients are fennel, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Andouille sausages have a smoky, sharp flavour. Chorizo is heavy on paprika and cumin; those flavours will pair well with this dish.

Ingredients

Penne Pasta, Sausages, Onion, Garlic, Tomato paste, Dried Oregano, White pepper powder, Salt, Celery, Paprika powder.

Penne pasta is preferred for Sausage pasta; however, you can use any medium-sized pasta, such as Fusilli, Rigatoni, Ziti, or Rotini. Use whatever sausage you like; you can choose between Italian and regular sausages. Using tomato paste over pasta sauce or fresh tomatoes will give this dish a robust flavour.

The onions and garlic are caramelized to add a subtle sweetness. The celery adds savouriness whilst the paprika powder adds a gentle heat. Oregano has a slightly earthy, woody flavour that complements the sausage’s flavours.

Instructions

Start by slicing the onions, finely mincing the garlic cloves, and a stalk of celery. Slice up the beef sausages. Add cooking oil to a pan, add the onions and garlic. Sauté for five to seven minutes on medium-low heat, until the aromatics are golden and lightly caramelized. Leave the heat on medium-low, and add the sausages and cook until the meat is cooked.

At this point, boil a pot of water for the pasta. When the water is bubbling, add a bit of salt and add the pasta. The pasta will take approximately nine minutes until al dente.

The next step is to make the sauce for the sausage pasta. Add the spices and tomato paste to the pan, along with 1/4 cup of water, to ensure the spices are well incorporated into the sauce.

The tomato paste will create a rich, smooth sauce that complements the sausages’ flavours. Once the pasta is cooked, drain and reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water. Add the pasta to the sauce and mix well.

The sausage pasta is now ready to serve and enjoy with your loved ones. You can add some grated Parmesan cheese or Grana Padano on top of the pasta for more flavour.

This delicious recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy afternoons or simple dinners. You will be making this recipe often.

Expert tips

We recommend using spicy sausages for the best flavour. Slice the frozen sausages to ensure the skin does not tear. If you are looking for a meal with a bit of character, consider a sausage with the proper fat-to-meat ratio for more depth. Ingredients such as garlic and onions go a long way toward enhancing the tomato paste’s flavours; however, the aromatics must be caramelized to release their subtle sweetness.

Avoid overcooking the pasta beyond al dente; it is advisable to remove the pasta from the stove at the eight-minute mark, as it typically takes nine minutes to cook. The pasta will cook with the sauce for an extra minute or two to reach al dente.

What can you Serve with Sausage Pasta?

Sausage pasta pairs well with Garlic bread or a delicious salad. Consider a Red pepper and Rocket salad with a tangy Italian salad dressing or a Balsamic tomato salad. Sautéed broccoli or Green beans would also complement the flavours of the spicy sausage pasta.

How to Store Sausage Pasta?

To store the sausage pasta, allow it to cool to room temperature, then place it in an airtight container. Sausage pasta can be stored in the fridge for three to five days. If you want to store it for a more extended period of time, consider freezing it for up to two to three months.