Name: Spicy Sausage Penne in Creamy Tomato Sauce
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Eastern European
Ingredients: 1 large green cabbage; 1 lb ground beef; 1 cup cooked rice; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1 medium carrot, grated; 3 cloves garlic, minced (divided); 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp dried herbs (thyme, oregano, or Italian seasoning); Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Spicy Sausage Penne in Creamy Tomato Sauce is a bold and comforting pasta dish that features spicy Italian sausage, al dente penne pasta, and a rich, creamy tomato sauce infused with garlic and herbs. It’s a hearty, flavorful meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Full of Flavor: Spicy sausage and a velvety tomato cream sauce create a satisfying depth of taste.
Quick and Simple: Perfect for weeknight dinners with minimal ingredients.
Hearty and Filling: Protein-rich sausage paired with pasta ensures a satisfying meal.
Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the spice to suit your preference.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Penne pasta
Spicy Italian sausage (casings removed)
Olive oil
Onion (chopped)
Garlic (minced)
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Canned crushed tomatoes
Tomato paste
Heavy cream
Salt and black pepper
Dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano)
Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

Cook the Pasta: Boil penne in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sausage and break into small pieces. Cook until browned and cooked through.
Sauté Aromatics: Add chopped onions to the skillet and cook until soft. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, and cook briefly.
Make the Sauce: Stir in crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Simmer for 5–7 minutes. Add heavy cream, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Simmer for another 3–5 minutes until thickened.
Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked penne and reserved pasta water to the sauce. Stir until well coated and heated through.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and grated Parmesan if desired. Serve hot.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Mild Option: Use sweet Italian sausage and omit red pepper flakes.
Add Vegetables: Sauté spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
Different Pasta: Try rigatoni, farfalle, or fettuccine for variation in texture.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of cream or milk to maintain the sauce’s consistency.

FAQs

Can I use chicken sausage?

Yes, chicken or turkey sausage is a great lighter alternative with similar flavor.

What kind of cream should I use?

Heavy cream or whipping cream provides the best richness and consistency.

Can I make this dish less spicy?

Omit the crushed red pepper flakes and use mild sausage to reduce heat.

Is there a dairy-free alternative to cream?

Use full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream substitute, though the flavor will vary slightly.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can be made up to two days in advance and stored in the fridge.

Can I freeze this pasta?

It’s best fresh, but you can freeze it in airtight containers for up to 1 month. Reheat slowly with added liquid.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

Simmer uncovered until it reduces, or stir in a spoonful of cream cheese for a thicker texture.

What can I substitute for penne?

Rotini, rigatoni, or even spaghetti will work well in this dish.

Is it okay to add wine to the sauce?

Yes, a splash of white wine added after cooking the sausage adds depth of flavor.

What sides go well with this pasta?

A simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables pair nicely with this dish.

Conclusion

Spicy Sausage Penne in Creamy Tomato Sauce is a bold, comforting pasta dish that comes together quickly yet tastes like it’s been simmering for hours. Its rich, spicy flavor and creamy texture make it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or satisfying weekend dinners.

Spicy Sausage Penne in Creamy Tomato Sauce

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Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Ground Beef and Vegetables are a hearty dish where tender cabbage leaves are filled with a seasoned beef, rice, and vegetable mixture, then baked in savory tomato sauce. Perfect for family dinners and meal prep.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings (approximately 12 rolls) 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Eastern European
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Core and separate cabbage leaves. Blanch for 2–3 minutes until softened. Drain and set aside.
In a bowl, combine ground beef, cooked rice, onion, grated carrot, 1 clove garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix well.
Place a spoonful of filling on a cabbage leaf, fold in sides, and roll tightly. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.
Heat olive oil in a saucepan. Sauté remaining garlic, then add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Simmer 10–15 minutes.
Pour some sauce into a baking dish. Arrange cabbage rolls seam-side down and cover with remaining sauce.
Cover dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour until rolls are tender and cooked through.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.