This hearty tomato and sausage pasta is a satisfying and robust meal packed with bold flavors, tender pasta, and juicy sausage in a rich tomato sauce. Finished with fresh herbs and a touch of creamy cheese, it’s the perfect weeknight comfort food that feels like a warm hug in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Packed with savory flavor from sausage and aromatic herbs
Quick and easy to prepare – ready in under an hour
Family-friendly and perfect for batch cooking
Great balance of protein, carbs, and richness
Can be easily customized with your favorite ingredients

Ingredients

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

Rigatoni or penne pasta
Olive oil
Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
Onion (chopped)
Garlic (minced)
Crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
Tomato paste (for depth)
Salt and pepper
Dried oregano
Dried basil or Italian seasoning
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh basil (for garnish)
Ricotta or burrata cheese (for topping)
Parmesan cheese (grated)

Directions

Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
Brown the sausage:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked.
Add aromatics:
Stir in chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Make the sauce:
Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, and dried herbs. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water as needed.
Combine pasta and sauce:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until fully coated. Let it simmer together for 2–3 minutes for the flavors to meld.
Finish and serve:
Serve hot, topped with dollops of ricotta or a torn ball of burrata, freshly chopped basil, and grated Parmesan cheese.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian version: Replace sausage with sautéed mushrooms or lentils for a hearty meat-free dish.
Creamy version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of mascarpone at the end for a creamier sauce.
Extra veggies: Add spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to the sauce for added nutrition.
Spicy twist: Use spicy Italian sausage and double the red pepper flakes for heat lovers.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze cooled pasta in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or in the microwave, covered, for 1–2 minutes.

FAQs

What type of sausage works best?

Italian sausage (either sweet or spicy) provides the best flavor. You can use pork, chicken, or turkey sausage based on your preference.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, this dish works well with penne, fusilli, farfalle, or even spaghetti.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

Tomato paste adds richness and thickness. Simmer the sauce uncovered to allow excess liquid to evaporate.

Is ricotta cheese necessary?

Not necessary, but highly recommended. It adds a creamy contrast to the bold tomato sauce.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, this dish can be made a day in advance. Store refrigerated and reheat just before serving.

What’s a good substitute for ricotta or burrata?

You can use mozzarella, goat cheese, or even a dollop of sour cream for a creamy finish.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Yes, use hot Italian sausage and increase the red pepper flakes to taste.

How do I avoid overcooked pasta?

Cook the pasta until just al dente, then toss it in the sauce where it will continue cooking slightly.

What wine pairs well with this dish?

A dry red wine such as Chianti, Zinfandel, or Merlot pairs beautifully with the rich tomato and sausage flavors.

Can I add wine to the sauce?

Yes, deglaze the pan with a splash of red wine after browning the sausage and before adding tomatoes for added depth.

Conclusion

Hearty tomato and sausage pasta is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s as satisfying as it is simple. With bold, savory sausage, a rich tomato sauce, and creamy cheese to finish, it’s a go-to dinner that will impress guests and satisfy hungry families alike. Whether served for a casual weeknight or a cozy dinner party, this pasta brings warmth and flavor to the table.

Hearty Tomato and Sausage Pasta

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Hearty Tomato and Sausage Pasta is a comforting, flavorful dish made with savory Italian sausage, a rich tomato sauce, and tender pasta. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding a hungry crowd.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
Add chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
Simmer sauce for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and stir to combine.
Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or basil.