Pan-Seared Italian Sausage and Penne with Spicy Tomato Sauce
Savory Italian sausage cooked with garlic and red pepper flakes, tossed with al dente penne pasta in a vibrant tomato sauce. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes blends casings removed Italian sausage links, penne pasta, olive oil 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 650 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
- 4, casings removed Italian sausage links
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup grated, for serving Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz penne pasta and cook for 10-12 minutes until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 4 Italian sausage links with casings removed, breaking up with a spoon, and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Step 3: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes to the sausage; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir in 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Simmer the sauce for 8-10 minutes until thickened.
- Step 5: Add the drained penne pasta and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water to the sauce. Toss gently to combine and heat through.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil. Serve topped with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Italian Sausage and Penne with Spicy Tomato Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Italian Sausage and Penne with Spicy Tomato 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 Pan-Seared Italian Sausage and Penne with Spicy Tomato 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 Pan-Seared Italian Sausage and Penne with Spicy Tomato 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 Pan-Seared Italian Sausage and Penne with Spicy Tomato 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.
