Spicy Sausage Garlic Pasta is a bold and flavorful dish featuring tender pasta tossed with spicy sausage, garlic, and a rich, savory sauce. This quick and satisfying meal is perfect for weeknight dinners and can be customized with your favorite pasta and spice level.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy—ready in under 30 minutes.
- Spicy, garlicky, and packed with rich flavors.
- Uses simple pantry ingredients.
- Customizable with different sausage varieties and vegetables.
- Perfect for a comforting yet exciting meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pasta (penne, spaghetti, or your choice)
- Spicy Italian sausage (casings removed)
- Olive oil
- Garlic (minced)
- Red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Onion (chopped)
- Crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
- Heavy cream or milk (optional, for a creamy version)
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper
- Chicken broth (optional, for extra depth)
Directions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook, breaking it up into crumbles until browned.
- Sauté garlic and onion: Add the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and onion to the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Let simmer for 5–7 minutes.
- Make it creamy (optional): Stir in heavy cream and simmer for another 2 minutes.
- Combine with pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly.
- Finish and serve: Top with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley. Serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Extra Veggies: Add spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for more nutrients.
- Cheesy Version: Mix in extra Parmesan or mozzarella for a richer taste.
- Mild Option: Use mild Italian sausage and reduce red pepper flakes.
- Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free: Swap pasta for whole wheat or gluten-free alternatives.
- Lighter Version: Use turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months in a sealed container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet with a splash of water or broth, or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked sausage?
Yes, slice it and add it after sautéing the garlic and onion.
What pasta works best for this dish?
Penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti work well, but any pasta can be used.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, skip the cream and cheese or use dairy-free alternatives.
How do I make this dish less spicy?
Use mild sausage and omit or reduce red pepper flakes.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, use about 2 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes.
What can I serve with this pasta?
A side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables complement it well.
Can I add wine to the sauce?
Yes, deglaze the pan with a splash of white or red wine for extra depth.
How do I make it extra creamy?
Add more heavy cream or stir in cream cheese.
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, chorizo, chicken sausage, or plant-based sausage can be used.
How can I thicken the sauce?
Let it simmer longer or add a bit of tomato paste.
Conclusion
Spicy Sausage Garlic Pasta is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. With a balance of heat, garlic, and rich tomato sauce, it’s a dish that can be customized to suit your taste. Try it today for a deliciously comforting pasta night!
Print
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Spicy Sausage Garlic Pasta is a bold and flavorful dish featuring juicy, caramelized sausage, al dente pasta, and a rich garlic-infused spicy sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti or pasta of choice
- 1/2 lb spicy Italian sausage, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add sausage slices and cook until browned.
- Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute.
- Toss in cooked pasta and reserved water. Stir to coat evenly.
- Season with salt, pepper, and top with Parmesan and parsley. Serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
- Can substitute with chicken sausage for a leaner option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian