Hot Italian Sausage Over Penne
Spicy Italian sausage served over tender penne in a creamy, flavorful sauce with fresh herbs, topped with tomato, green onion, and Parmesan cheese for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a saucepan and add minced garlic and shallots. Brown them.
- Add skinless hot Italian sausage to the saucepan, brown, and drain excess oil.
- Add paprika and chicken broth to the sausage mixture.
- Let the mixture simmer until about half of the liquid evaporates.
- Add cream to the mixture and simmer until the liquid reduces by half again.
- Add ground red pepper, oregano, basil, and bay leaf; simmer for 10 minutes.
- Cook penne pasta until al dente, then drain.
- Stir the cooked penne into the sausage and sauce mixture.
- Top with diced tomato, chopped green onion, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of canned for a richer taste. If you prefer a lighter dish, substitute half of the cream with Greek yogurt. For a spicier kick, add more ground red pepper to your liking. Always taste and adjust seasonings as needed to suit your palate. Consider serving this dish alongside Garlic Boneless Chicken for a delightful Italian feast.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty dish with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. A light vinaigrette can complement the richness of the pasta. For a complete Italian experience, pair with a glass of red wine and browse more Italian recipes to find additional delicious sides.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to the pasta while warming it in a saucepan over low heat. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Italian Sausage Over Penne contains roughly 1210 calories, with 51g protein, 244g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (288% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (183% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 550mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, you can substitute hot Italian sausage with mild Italian sausage or even chicken sausage for a lighter option. Adjust the spices accordingly to maintain the desired heat level. If using pre-cooked sausage, reduce cooking time and skip the browning step.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, replace the hot Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms for a meaty texture. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and ensure that the cream is dairy-free if needed. This will keep the dish flavorful and satisfying.
What other toppings can I use?
In addition to tomatoes, green onions, and Parmesan cheese, consider adding sautéed bell peppers or spinach for extra color and nutrition. Crushed red pepper flakes can also be sprinkled on top for an additional kick, customizing the dish to suit your taste preferences.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).