All Recipes

Penne with Tomatoes and Italian Sausage

40 min 4 servings Easy
Penne with Tomatoes and Italian Sausage is a classic Italian-inspired pasta dish that brings together the rich flavours of spicy sausage and the freshness of ripe tomatoes. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner when you're craving something hearty and satisfying. The combination of garlic, onions, and Italian sausage creates a robust base, while the tomatoes add a touch of brightness. Finished with fresh basil and parmesan cheese, this dish is sure to delight your taste buds and become a family favourite.

Ingredients

Servings
4

Main Ingredients

Instructions

1

Cook the pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.

Pro tip: Pasta should be slightly firm to the bite for the best texture.

2

Sauté the aromatics

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Pro tip: Avoid browning the garlic to prevent bitterness.

3

Cook the sausage

Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

Pro tip: Ensure the sausage is cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

4

Add tomatoes and seasoning

Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld.

Pro tip: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

5

Combine pasta and sauce

Add the cooked penne to the skillet along with a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss to combine and coat the pasta evenly in the sauce.

Pro tip: Use more pasta water if needed to reach your desired sauce consistency.

6

Finish and serve

Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil. Serve with grated parmesan cheese on top.

Pro tip: Garnish with additional fresh basil for extra flavour.

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Tips & Tricks

<ul><li>Use high-quality Italian sausage for the best flavour.</li><li>Fresh basil can be substituted with dried basil; use 1 teaspoon.</li><li>Cook pasta al dente to maintain texture when mixed with sauce.</li><li>Crushed red pepper flakes add a nice kick if you prefer a spicy dish.</li></ul>

Serving Suggestions

Serve this delicious penne with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. It pairs wonderfully with a glass of Chianti or any medium-bodied red wine. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.
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