Spicy Sausage Pasta
This comforting meal features savory sausage and tender pasta in a cheesy, creamy, spicy sauce. Easy to make and ready in about 30 minutes.
Servings 4
Calories 1033kcal
Ingredients
- 1 pound rigatoni pasta or pasta shape of choice, I used mezzi rigatoni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound pork sausage casings removed if necessary
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1 small green bell pepper or 1/2 large bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- 2-3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or more/less to taste
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc
- 14.5- ounce can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup half & half or heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese plus more for serving
- Fresh basil for serving optional
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
- Meanwhile, heat the butter and oil together in a saucepan or stock pot over medium-high heat. When the butter is bubbly, add the sausage and cook until no longer pink, breaking up the meat as it cooks.
- Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until the vegetables soften. Add the tomato paste, basil, crushed red pepper flakes, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Stir until the tomato paste is blended in and the basil is fragrant.
- Add the wine and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer until the wine is mostly evaporated.
- Add the diced tomatoes and half & half and bring to a simmer. Fold in the cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, and parmesan cheese. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until the sauce thickens and the cheese melts.
- Top with basil, if using, and serve with parmesan cheese on the side.
Nutrition
Calories: 1033kcal | Carbohydrates: 99g | Protein: 38g | Fat: 48g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 19g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 118mg | Sodium: 1245mg | Potassium: 818mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 1271IU | Vitamin C: 30mg | Calcium: 239mg | Iron: 4mg