Spicy Sausage & Tomato Penne – Easy 30-Minute Dinner Recipe

If you’re searching for a hearty, flavorful, and quick meal that doesn’t keep you in the kitchen for hours, then this Spicy Sausage & Tomato Penne – Easy 30-Minute Dinner Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining bold Italian sausage, a rich tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked penne pasta, this dish brings comfort and spice together in one irresistible plate. Best of all, it can be on your table in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even casual gatherings with friends.

In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about preparing, serving, and enjoying this dish. From ingredients and step-by-step instructions to cooking tips, nutritional info, and variations, this guide ensures your Spicy Sausage & Tomato Penne – Easy 30-Minute Dinner Recipe comes out perfect every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy – Ready in 30 minutes, it’s ideal for busy schedules.

• Full of Flavor – The spiciness of sausage balances beautifully with sweet tomato sauce.

• Family Favorite – Kids and adults alike will love it, and you can adjust the spice to taste.

• Budget-Friendly – Affordable ingredients make this a go-to meal that doesn’t break the bank.

• Customizable – Use different sausages, veggies, or cheeses to make it your own.

Whether you’re cooking for two or feeding a family, this Spicy Sausage & Tomato Penne – Easy 30-Minute Dinner Recipe delivers satisfaction without stress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything required to make this recipe. You may already have most of these pantry staples at home.

• 12 oz (340g) penne pasta

• 1 lb (450g) spicy Italian sausage (remove casing if using links)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can (14 oz / 400g) crushed tomatoes

• 1 can (14 oz / 400g) diced tomatoes

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust for heat level)

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp dried basil

• Salt & pepper to taste

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)

Optional add-ins:

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• A handful of spinach or kale

• ½ cup heavy cream for a creamy twist

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Transfer to a plate.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

In the same skillet, add onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Stir in crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked sausage back into the sauce. Stir well. Toss in the cooked pasta, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Mix until every piece of penne is coated.

Step 6: Finish & Serve

Remove from heat. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan and garnish with parsley or basil. Serve hot and enjoy your Spicy Sausage & Tomato Penne – Easy 30-Minute Dinner Recipe!

Cooking Tips for Success

1. Don’t Overcook Pasta – Keep it slightly firm since it will absorb sauce.

2. Control the Heat – Use hot or mild Italian sausage depending on your spice preference.

3. Balance Flavors – If the sauce tastes too acidic, add a pinch of sugar.

4. Add Creaminess – Stir in heavy cream or mascarpone cheese for a silky texture.

5. Meal Prep Friendly – Make extra sauce and freeze it for up to 3 months.

Variations of Spicy Sausage & Tomato Penne

One of the best things about this Easy 30-Minute Dinner Recipe is how adaptable it is:

• Creamy Sausage Penne – Stir in cream or ricotta cheese at the end.

• Veggie-Loaded Penne – Add mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.

• Cheesy Baked Penne – Transfer to a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and bake until bubbly.

• Healthy Twist – Use whole-wheat penne or gluten-free pasta alternatives.

• Mediterranean Style – Add olives, artichokes, and feta cheese.

Nutritional Information (Approx. per Serving)

• Calories: 520

• Protein: 24g

• Carbs: 58g

• Fat: 20g

• Fiber: 6g

Note: Values may vary depending on ingredients used.

Serving Suggestions

This Spicy Sausage & Tomato Penne – Easy 30-Minute Dinner Recipe can be enjoyed alone or paired with:

• Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks

• Fresh garden salad with balsamic vinaigrette

• Roasted vegetables like zucchini or asparagus

• Glass of red wine such as Chianti or Merlot

Make-Ahead & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freezer: Freeze sauce separately for up to 3 months. Reheat and toss with fresh pasta.

• Reheating: Warm in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to refresh the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I use chicken sausage instead of pork?
Yes, chicken or turkey sausage works perfectly and makes the dish lighter.

Q2: What if I don’t like spicy food?
Use mild sausage and reduce or omit red pepper flakes.

Q3: Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, substitute sausage with plant-based sausage or roasted chickpeas.

Q4: Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Just use a larger skillet or Dutch oven to hold everything.

Conclusion

This Spicy Sausage & Tomato Penne – Easy 30-Minute Dinner Recipe is everything a busy cook dreams of: fast, flavorful, affordable, and endlessly customizable. With minimal effort, you can put a restaurant-quality pasta dish on your table in half an hour. It’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again—whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests.

Spicy Sausage & Tomato Penne – Easy 30-Minute Dinner Recipe

This quick and flavorful pasta dish combines spicy Italian sausage, a rich tomato sauce, and penne pasta for the perfect 30-minute dinner recipe. Great for busy weeknights, family dinners, or casual entertaining.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 520

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• Ingredients
• 12 oz 340g penne pasta
• 1 lb 450g spicy Italian sausage (casing removed if using links)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 can 14 oz / 400g crushed tomatoes
• 1 can 14 oz / 400g diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes adjust for heat
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt & pepper to taste
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
• Optional Add-ins:
• 1 red bell pepper sliced
• 1 handful spinach or kale
• ½ cup heavy cream for creamy version

Method

 

1. Instructions
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne until al dente, then drain (reserve ½ cup of pasta water).
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sausage, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned (6–8 minutes). Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, sauté onion until translucent (3–4 minutes). Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
5. Stir in crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Return sausage to the skillet and stir to combine. Add drained pasta and toss, using pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
7. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat, sprinkle with Parmesan, and garnish with parsley or basil.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Notes

For a creamier sauce, stir in ½ cup heavy cream before serving.

Add extra veggies like mushrooms or zucchini for a heartier meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutrition (per serving, approx.)

Calories: 520

Protein: 24g

Carbs: 58g

Fat: 20g

Fiber: 6g