Sweet Italian Sausage Skillet
A hearty and flavorful skillet dish combining sweet Italian sausage, spiral pasta, tomatoes, and cheese, perfect for satisfying weeknight dinners and Italian cuisine lovers.
Ingredients
- 2 cups rotini or other spiral pasta ⓘ
- 12 oz. sweet Italian sausage links, sliced 1/2-inch thick
- 2 tsp. cooking oil ⓘ
- 14.5 oz. can Italian-style stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 6 oz. can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 14 oz. can cut green Italian beans, drained ⓘ
- 1/2 cup shredded Mozzarella or Provolone cheese
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions and drain.
- Meanwhile, heat 2 teaspoons of cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced Italian sausage and brown for 5 minutes; then drain excess fat.
- Stir in the undrained stewed tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, and drained green beans.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer and cover.
- Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the cooked pasta and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs like basil or oregano. If you prefer a little heat, substitute the sweet Italian sausage with spicy sausage. You can also use whole wheat rotini for a healthier option. If you have leftovers, adding a splash of cream can enhance the creaminess of the dish. This recipe is versatile and can be adjusted to include your favorite vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish hot, garnished with additional cheese if desired. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For those looking for more Italian recipes, consider serving it alongside Italian Rice With Mushrooms or a refreshing Caprese salad for a delightful dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to maintain moisture. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet Italian Sausage Skillet contains roughly 1221 calories, with 30g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 122g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (60% of the Daily Value) and calcium (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1337mg per serving (58% 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 pasta?
Yes, you can substitute rotini with any pasta you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the pasta you choose.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the sweet Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version. You can also add more vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to enhance the flavor and texture.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
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).