Italian Pasta with Sausage and White Wine Sauce
A hearty Italian pasta dish with Italian sausage, white wine, garlic, and tomatoes for a rich and savory flavor. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 50 minutes blends spaghetti, Italian sausage, white wine into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 400g spaghetti
- 2 Italian sausage
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 cup tomatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 50g Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 Italian sausage, cut into 1/2-inch slices, and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned with no pink inside. Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if needed to ensure even browning.
- Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned. Tip: Remove the pan from heat if garlic starts to char—burned garlic ruins the flavor.
- Step 3: Pour in 1/2 cup white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes, until the liquid reduces by half and becomes slightly syrupy.
- Step 4: Add 1 cup diced tomatoes (skin-on for extra flavor) and stir to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the tomatoes break down into a chunky consistency.
- Step 5: Meanwhile, bring 4 liters water to a boil in a large pot. Add 1 tbsp salt, then add 400g spaghetti. Cook for 8-10 minutes, until al dente (firm to the bite). Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 6: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss vigorously for 2-3 minutes, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too dry. The pasta should be evenly coated and glossy.
- Step 7: Remove from heat and stir in 50g grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated. Tip: Add cheese off the heat—high heat causes it to clump and become greasy. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Italian Pasta with Sausage and White Wine Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Italian Pasta with Sausage and White Wine Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Italian Pasta with Sausage and White Wine Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Italian Pasta with Sausage and White Wine Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Italian Pasta with Sausage and White Wine Sauce?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Loved the depth of flavor. Made with bell peppers.
- ★★★★★
Rich, savory, and so satisfying. A staple for me.
- ★★★★★
Perfect with a glass of Chardonnay. Made with Italian sausage.