Description
This Italian Sausage Pasta with Tomato Sauce is a comforting, flavorful dish that combines rich, savory sausage with a smooth, tangy San Marzano tomato sauce. Paired with tender bowtie pasta, fresh basil, and creamy Parmesan cheese, this meal is perfect for a cozy dinner. Simple, yet packed with authentic Italian flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground sausage (mild Italian style)
- 1/2 cup finely diced white onion (about 1 medium onion)
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 28 oz San Marzano tomatoes (or whole plum tomatoes), blended until smooth
- 8 oz bowtie pasta
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, snipped
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, cut into slices
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus additional for topping
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage:
In a large skillet or pan, cook the ground sausage over medium heat until it’s fully browned, breaking it apart into small crumbles as it cooks. Once browned, remove excess fat from the pan if needed. - Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
Add the finely diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant. - Season the Sauce:
Stir in the salt and red pepper flakes, then add the blended San Marzano tomatoes. Stir everything together and let it simmer over low heat for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. - Cook the Pasta:
While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water. - Finish the Sauce:
Once the sauce has simmered and thickened, stir in the butter slices and fresh basil leaves. Let the butter melt into the sauce, creating a creamy texture. - Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the sauce, tossing it to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency. - Serve:
Plate the pasta and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Garnish with extra fresh basil or more Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Customization: Feel free to add a dash of heavy cream for a richer sauce or add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for more texture and flavor.
- Spice Level: Adjust the red pepper flakes to your taste, depending on how much heat you like.
- Make it Vegetarian: For a meatless version, swap the sausage with plant-based sausage or mushrooms.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian