Sausage Pasta

Today, we are making a delicious sausage pasta that is easy to put together and full of incredible flavour. Italian cuisine is known for its regional variations of pasta with sausages.

Some parts of Italy create sausages with a combination of chili flakes and fennel. The Northern parts of Italy favour a mild type of sausage. Different regions will put their own spin on the dish. Pasta has a long history in Italy, and it only became a staple food in the 8th century.

Sausage pasta became popular in Italy due to the addition of protein, which makes the meal more satiating. Regions such as Emilia-Romagna have their own unique versions of this dish, using fresh tomatoes, garlic, and herbs to enhance the sausage’s flavour.

Ingredients

Penne Pasta, Sausages, Fresh cream, Onion, Garlic, Tomato paste, Dried Oregano, White pepper powder, Salt, Fresh Basil leaves, 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. It is worth noting that tomato paste also pairs well with red meat such as Lamb, Veal, or Venison.

Fresh cream adds a rich flavour to this dish; you can also opt for heavy cream for a more luxurious depth. Basil leaves enhance the taste of the tomato paste. Choosing to use tomato paste over pasta sauce or fresh tomatoes will give this dish a more concentrated flavour.

The onions and garlic are caramelized to add a subtle sweetness. The celery adds savouriness whilst the paprika powder adds a gentle heat. You can swap out the fresh basil for dried basil. The oregano has a slightly earthy, woody taste that complements the sausage’s flavours.

Instructions

Start by slicing the onions, finely mincing the garlic cloves, and a stalk of celery. Chiffonade the basil leaves. 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.

Add the spices and tomato paste to the pan, along with 1/4 cup of water, to ensure that the spices are well-mixed into the sauce.

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

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.

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

Expert tips

We recommend using the highest-quality sausage for the best flavour. If you are looking for a meal with a bit of character, consider a spicy sausage 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.

Red pepper flakes and fresh herbs such as basil or parsley will elevate the flavour. If you don’t have fresh basil, use dried basil instead. 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.

However, read the instructions for further guidance. You will need to add the pasta to the sauce to ensure it is well-flavoured with the other ingredients; this will cook it to perfection for that extra minute when it is immersed in the tomato sauce.

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.