Penne with Smoked Sausage and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Al dente penne tossed in a vibrant sauce of smoky sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, and red wine for a restaurant-quality pasta dish. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs penne pasta, smoked sausage, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb smoked sausage
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/4 cup red wine
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water (1 tbsp salt) to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz penne pasta and cook 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb smoked sausage sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces and cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and crisp.
- Step 3: Add 3 garlic cloves minced to skillet and cook 1 minute until fragrant (do not brown). Stir in 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped), 1/4 cup red wine, and 1/2 cup vegetable broth. Simmer 3 minutes until liquid reduces by half.
- Step 4: Add drained penne to skillet and toss to coat. If too thick, add 2-3 tbsp reserved pasta water. Stir in 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook 2 minutes until heated through and sauce coats pasta evenly.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Penne with Smoked Sausage and Sun-Dried Tomatoes take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Penne with Smoked Sausage and Sun-Dried Tomatoes?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Penne with Smoked Sausage and Sun-Dried Tomatoes?
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 Penne with Smoked Sausage and Sun-Dried Tomatoes 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 Penne with Smoked Sausage and Sun-Dried Tomatoes?
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
- ★★★★★
So much better than takeout. We'll never order italian delivery again.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 20-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
