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Introducing my tasty sausage pasta recipe that everyone is sure to love! It is incredibly easy to make and ready to enjoy in about 15 minutes – perfect for a weeknight meal! With sausage and pasta in a creamy sauce, you can’t go wrong.

sausage pasta with tomatoes and parmesan.

Recipe Difficulty – Very Easy

Why this recipe works

I love a good pasta any time of the year and this creamy sausage pasta is a perfect addition to my weekly lineup! The flavour of the sausages with the creamy tomato sauce makes this the perfect pasta dish.

This is an easy recipe to change up. You can use regular Italian sausage or something fancier like a chicken apple sausage. You can also add in more vegetables to taste.

Ingredients to make Sausage Pasta

Ingredients to make Sausage Pasta.
  1. Olive Oil – is used to cook the sausages.
  2. Sausages – opt for your favourite type of sausage. They should have their casings removed before cooking.
  3. Garlic Cloves – have a classic taste that is great in this pasta dish.
  4. Can of Chopped Tomatoes – adds the perfect flavour to this creamy sauce. Keep the juices from the can in for this recipe.
  5. Cooking Cream – is what makes this pasta dish so perfectly creamy. I opt for dairy-free soya cream.
  6. Chili Flakes – give just a bit of spice to this meal.
  7. Parmesan Cheese – I used a vegan parmesan, but dairy-based will work as well.
  8. Penne Pasta – holds the sauces beautifully. I personally use gluten free.
  9. Salt and Pepper – help to accentuate the other flavours while finishing off the dish.

See recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Substitutions

  • Olive Oil – Any neutral oil will work well.
  • Sausages – Beef, chicken, steak, vegetarian, vegan or even tofu go well with this dish. Choose which is your favourite as all will work well. Although my favourite is chicken sausage pasta.
  • Chili Flakes – can be replaced with red pepper flakes or your favourite spices.
  • Penne Pasta – Feel free to use your favourite pasta in this dish.
  • Cooking Cream – can be replaced with heavy cream.

Variations

  • Spicy – For a spicy sausage pasta, use spicy Italian sausage and add in some chillis.
  • Deluxe – Consider adding in some red peppers, onion, baby spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes to level up this recipe.  Finish it off with some lemon zest and lemon juice. Oh and if you have an open bottle of dry white wine, add a splash in for extra flavour.
  • Kid friendly – This is already a pretty kid-friendly recipe. Serve it up alongside some garlic bread for a delicious treat.

How to make Sausage Pasta

penne pasta in a pot of water.

Step 1: First, boil the pasta according to package directions until al dente.

chopped sausages in a skillet.

Step 2: While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Remove the skins for the sausages and add into the skillet. Break them apart with a wooden spoon until they are browned, about 4-5 minutes.

garlic, chopped tomatoes, cream, chili flakes and sausages in a skillet.

Step 3: Add garlic, chopped tomatoes, cream, and chili flakes. Stir well. Season to taste with salt and pepper and simmer.

pasta mixed with tomatoes and parmesan cheese.

Step 4: Drain pasta and add it to the skillet along with the parmesan. Stir well to combine.

Serve garnished with fresh basil (optional).

Hint: Make sure not to drain the juices from the tomatoes as they add to the taste of the sauce.

Leftovers

Store leftover pasta in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove. You may need to add a bit of cream or water to loosen the sauce.

Recipe FAQs

What sausage is best for pasta?

There are so many great options for sausage in pasta. Italian, pork, turkey, and chicken sausage are all great options but vegan or vegetarian can also work really well. You can even use fun flavours and adjust the seasonings in your pasta accordingly.

Is sausage pasta healthy?

It can be, though it depends on your ingredients. If you want a healthier sausage pasta, be sure to use leaner meat to start. Using whole grain pasta or lentil pasta is also a healthier step. Fill it with some fresh veg and go light on the cream, and you’re good to go!

More Sausage recipes

sausage pasta garnished with fresh basil leaves.

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Rate it…

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4.50 from 2 votes

Sausage Pasta

A hearty Sausage Pasta full of bold flavours. Ideal for a cosy night in, this dish is quick, easy, and delicious!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
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Ingredients 

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 6 sausages of choice, casings removed
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 400 g can chopped tomatoes
  • 250 ml cooking cream, (I used soya cream)
  • 1 pinch of chili flakes
  • ¼ cup parmesan, (I used dairy-free)
  • 450 g penne pasta, (I used gluten-free)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions 

  • Firstly, boil the pasta according to package directions until al dente.
  • While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Remove the skins from the sausages and add into the skillet. Break them apart with a wooden spoon and fry until they are browned, about 4-5 minutes.
  • Add garlic, chopped tomatoes, cream, and chili flakes. Stir well and season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet, along with parmesan. Stir well to combine all. Serve pasta warm, garnished with fresh basil (optional).

Notes

Step-by-Step Photos: My blog post includes helpful step-by-step photos to help guide you through making this recipe.
Substitutions & Variations: I have included a list of these in the post above.
To Store: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in a pot/pan over a low heat until piping hot or in the microwave. You may need to add some water or cream to loosen the sauce.
To Freeze: Freeze in an airtight container for up to two months. Thaw and then reheat in the microwave or on the stove. Add water or cream if needed.
Tip 1: If you like some baked cheese on top, transfer finished meal into an oven-safe dish, add some cheese, and broil/bake for a few minutes.
Tip 2: When cooking the sausage, don’t stir it too much. Allow it to sit and brown up.
Tip 3: Whenever making a homemade sauce, reserve some of your pasta water. It can be used at the end to thicken up the sauce a bit.

Nutrition

Calories: 651kcal | Carbohydrates: 103g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 10g
Did you make this recipe? Tag me Today!Tag @HealthyLivingJames on Instagram and use #HealthyLivingJames!

About James Wythe

Hey, I'm James! A fully qualified health coach, cookbook author, full time food blogger and new dad with over 1 million followers. I started this journey after a sudden illness left me bed bound for 2 years and housebound for 4 years! I’m here to help you make healthy and delicious food for you and your family in less time!

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Recipe Rating




4 Comments

  1. 4 stars
    A great easy and very quick meal that can feed many / freeze.
    A regular meal in my home & easy to adapt by putting left over veg in. Last night I used a deep Rosemary Thyme flavour with courgette too. Delicious