Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure! This Spicy Sausage Pasta Marinara isn't just a meal—it's a symphony of bold Italian flavors that will transport you straight to the bustling streets of Naples. Imagine perfectly al dente pasta smothered in a rich, spicy sauce, crowned with crispy garlic bread that's guaranteed to make your family and friends beg for seconds. Whether you're a seasoned home chef or a cooking novice, this recipe promises restaurant-quality deliciousness that's surprisingly simple to create.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 1 pound spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 loaf of Italian bread
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (for garlic bread)
- Parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients: Gather all listed ingredients. Remove sausage from casings. Mince fresh garlic for both sauce and garlic bread. Grate Parmesan cheese.
- Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Brown sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook for 6-8 minutes until fully browned and no pink remains.
- Create sauce: Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the browned sausage. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in marinara sauce and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Prepare garlic bread: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Mix softened butter with minced garlic. Slice Italian bread lengthwise and spread garlic butter evenly. Place on baking sheet.
- Combine pasta: Add cooked pasta to the sauce, stirring to coat. If sauce seems thick, add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake garlic bread: Place bread in preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden and crispy.
- Serve: Transfer pasta to serving plates. Garnish with chopped parsley. Slice garlic bread and serve alongside the pasta. Enjoy immediately while hot.
Tips
- Always salt your pasta water generously - it should taste like the sea to properly season your pasta from within.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining. The starchy liquid helps create a silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats every noodle.
- For maximum flavor, use fresh Italian sausage and remove it from the casing to ensure even browning and deeper taste.
- Don't overcook your pasta - aim for al dente, which means it should have a slight bite in the center.
- Let your garlic bread cool for 2-3 minutes after baking to prevent burning your mouth and to let the flavors settle.
- For extra heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the marinara.
- Fresh parsley isn't just a garnish - it adds a bright, fresh note that cuts through the richness of the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 650kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 90mg
