Italian Pasta and Sausage Dinner

Savor the bold, comforting flavors of this classic Italian Pasta and Sausage Dinner, a hearty one-pan meal that's perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining. This recipe features al dente penne pasta tossed in a rich, aromatic tomato sauce infused with garlic, sautéed onion, and a medley of Italian seasonings like oregano and basil. Juicy Italian sausage adds a savory, protein-packed twist, while a touch of red chili flakes brings just the right amount of heat. Finished with a sprinkling of freshly grated Parmesan and optional parsley for a burst of freshness, this dish is a satisfying crowd-pleaser. Ready in just 45 minutes, this easy sausage and pasta skillet dinner delivers authentic Italian comfort in every bite.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 g penne pasta
• 4 links Italian sausages
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 400 g canned diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 0.5 tsp red chili flakes
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 50 g grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove the casings from the Italian sausages, crumble the sausage into the skillet, and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Transfer the cooked sausage to a plate lined with paper towels.

Step 3

In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the diced yellow onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened and translucent.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 5

Stir in the canned diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato paste, red chili flakes, dried oregano, and dried basil. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.

Step 6

Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir to combine with the tomato sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 7

Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss until the pasta is fully coated in the sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 8

Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the dish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.

Step 9

Serve immediately and enjoy this comforting Italian Pasta and Sausage Dinner.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1308.6 grams (1308.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2920

Total Fat 126.70g	162%
Saturated Fat 41.20g	206%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.10g
Cholesterol 258mg	86%
Sodium 5738mg	249%
Total Carbohydrate 325.00g	118%
Dietary Fiber 24.80g	89%
Total Sugars 16.40g
Protein 123.50g	247%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 816mg	63%
Iron 22mg	122%
Potassium 2626mg	56%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 38.9%

Protein: 16.8%

Carbs: 44.3%