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

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.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
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