Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience! This Creamy Tomato and Sausage Penne is not just a meal – it's a flavor explosion that combines the rich, hearty taste of Italian sausage with a luxuriously smooth tomato cream sauce. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home, this recipe promises to be your new go-to comfort dish that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy to prepare.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 2 cups crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the casings from the Italian sausage and add the meat to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula.
- Cook the sausage until it's fully browned and no pink remains, approximately 6-7 minutes. Use the spatula to crumble the meat into small, even pieces as it cooks.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet with the browned sausage. Sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine with the sausage and garlic. Reduce heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes.
- Slowly stir in the heavy cream, creating a rich and creamy tomato sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta completely with the creamy tomato and sausage sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir to incorporate, allowing the cheese to melt and blend into the sauce.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately in warm pasta bowls.
Tips
- Pasta Perfection: Always cook your pasta just until al dente – it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot sauce, preventing mushy noodles.
- Sausage Secrets: Remove the casings and break the sausage into small, even pieces for the best texture and even flavor distribution.
- Garlic Wisdom: Be careful not to burn the garlic – it can turn bitter quickly. Sauté for just 30-45 seconds until fragrant.
- Sauce Consistency: Reserved pasta water is your secret weapon! If the sauce is too thick, add a little pasta water to achieve the perfect creamy texture.
- Cheese Tip: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and provides a more intense flavor than pre-packaged grated cheese.
- Garnish Game: Fresh basil leaves aren't just for looks – they add a bright, aromatic finish that elevates the entire dish.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately in warm bowls to keep the sauce creamy and prevent it from cooling and thickening too quickly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 1002kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 40g
Fat: 73g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 200mg
