Sausage Pasta
A hearty sausage pasta dish packed with fresh and sun-dried tomatoes, colorful peppers, and herbs, perfect for a flavorful, satisfying meal suitable for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place sun-dried tomatoes in one cup of water and set aside.
- Cook sausage meat in a pan, breaking it into pieces as it cooks. Remove from pan and drain excess grease.
- Sauté chopped onion and garlic in olive oil until translucent.
- Add chopped fresh tomatoes to the pan and stir. Cook for five minutes.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and their soaking water, stirring to combine. Cook for ten more minutes.
- Add chopped red and green peppers, scallions, and cooked sausage meat. Stir together.
- Add chopped fresh basil, parsley, chives, black pepper, and Mrs. Dash to taste. Cook several minutes longer.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and place in a bowl.
- Top cooked pasta with the prepared sauce and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker meal, consider using pre-cooked sausage or turkey sausage, which can reduce cooking time. If fresh tomatoes are not available, canned diced tomatoes can be a great substitute. Adding a splash of white wine to the sauce can enhance the flavor. For a creamier sauce, mix in some cream or cheese towards the end of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty sausage pasta with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top can elevate the dish. For a twist, try pairing it with garlic and herb focaccia or browse more Italian recipes for additional inspiration.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to avoid drying out the pasta. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sausage Pasta contains roughly 347 calories, with 30g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (172% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. At about 347 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
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 different types of sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use smoked sausage for a richer flavor or turkey sausage for a lighter option. Each type will impart a unique taste to the dish, so feel free to experiment based on your preference.
What can I do to make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the sauce. You can also use spicy sausage instead of mild sausage meat for an extra kick.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just cook the pasta fresh when you're ready to serve to ensure it doesn't become mushy.
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).