If you’re a fan of bold flavors and comforting meals, this Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta is about to become your new favorite dish. Juicy sausage, perfectly cooked pasta, and a spicy, tomato-based sauce come together in a symphony of flavor that’s ready in under 40 minutes.

This recipe was inspired by a dinner out at a rustic Italian restaurant, where the perfect blend of spice and creaminess made an unforgettable impression. Now, it’s a regular in my meal rotation, and I’m excited to share it with you!
Why You’ll Love This Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta
This dish brings together everything you love about Italian comfort food with a spicy twist. Here’s why you’ll adore it:
- Big Bold Flavors: The spicy sausage combined with a rich tomato sauce creates a dish that’s full of depth and heat.
- Quick and Easy: This pasta dish comes together in less than 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- One-Pot Friendly: With minimal cleanup, it’s as practical as it is delicious.
- Customizable Heat: Adjust the spice level by choosing mild or hot Italian sausage and adding red pepper flakes to your liking.
Whether you’re serving it for a casual family dinner or a cozy date night, this pasta is guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients Notes

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in creating its bold, comforting flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Italian Sausage: Use spicy Italian sausage for a kick of heat. You can use sausage links (removed from casings) or ground sausage for convenience.
- Pasta: Rigatoni, penne, or fettuccine are all great choices. Their shapes hold onto the sauce beautifully.
- Tomatoes: A can of diced tomatoes or crushed tomatoes forms the base of the sauce. Fire-roasted tomatoes are an excellent option for added smokiness.
- Garlic and Onion: Essential aromatics that build a flavorful foundation for the sauce.
- Heavy Cream: Adds richness and balances the spice. For a lighter option, substitute with half-and-half.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan enhances the sauce with its salty, nutty flavor.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Optional but recommended for those who love extra spice.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle of good-quality olive oil helps sauté the aromatics and sausage.
Special equipment: A large skillet or Dutch oven is ideal for cooking everything in one pan.
How To Make Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta

This pasta dish is simple, satisfying, and loaded with flavor. Follow these steps for the perfect plate of Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until al dente, according to the package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Cook the spicy Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent, stirring frequently to avoid burning the garlic.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Stir in the can of diced tomatoes and add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra spice (if desired). Let the sauce simmer for 8-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 5: Add the Cream and Sausage
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and mix well.
Step 6: Combine with Pasta
Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it evenly in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your spicy, savory creation immediately!
Storage Options
Leftovers of this Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta? Lucky you! Here’s how to store and reheat them:
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or cream to revive the sauce. Stir gently to prevent sticking.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is versatile and easy to adapt to your preferences. Here are a few ideas:
- Protein Swap: Replace sausage with ground beef, turkey, or even shrimp for a different flavor profile.
- Veggie Additions: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the sauce for extra nutrients and color.
- Cheese Options: Try Romano or Asiago cheese for a different cheesy twist.
- Make It Mild: Use mild Italian sausage and omit the red pepper flakes for a less spicy version.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for dietary restrictions.
This Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta is a flavor-packed, hearty meal that’s sure to satisfy. With its creamy sauce, fiery kick, and tender pasta, it’s the kind of dish you’ll crave again and again. Serve it with garlic bread and a crisp green salad for the ultimate Italian-inspired dinner. Buon appetito!
PrintSpicy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe
This Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta recipe is a flavorful dish loaded with spicy sausage, pasta, and a rich tomato sauce. A comforting, quick dinner idea!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb spicy Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup chicken broth or pasta water
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
- Fresh basil or parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook, breaking it into crumbles, until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onion until softened. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth (or pasta water), oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and cooked sausage. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use mild Italian sausage for less heat or mix with spicy sausage for a balanced flavor.
- Substitute heavy cream with milk or a dairy-free alternative for a lighter dish.
- Add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra veggies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 670
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 920mg
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