10 Easy Sausage and Pasta Recipes for Dinner Tonight
Table of Contents
As the sun sets, we often crave a comforting meal. Sausage and pasta is a great choice for a quick, tasty dinner. Here are 10 easy recipes that will make your weeknights better.
Key Takeaways
- Discover a range of 10 easy-to-prepare sausage and pasta recipes perfect for busy weeknights.
- Explore the versatility of sausage and pasta as a winning dinner combination, from creamy sauces to spicy flavors.
- Learn essential tips and tricks for cooking perfect pasta and sausage, ensuring your meals are flavorful and satisfying.
- Uncover the best pasta shapes and sausage varieties to pair for mouthwatering pasta dishes.
- Discover one-pot sausage and pasta recipes for quick cleanup and fuss-free meal preparation.
Why Sausage and Pasta Make the Perfect Weeknight Dinner Combination
Sausage and pasta is a top choice for quick, tasty meals. It’s full of protein, carbs, and flavor. This combo is perfect for busy weeknights. You can use pork, spicy Italian, or chicken sausages with many pasta shapes.
Best Types of Sausage for Pasta Dishes
Choosing the right sausage is key for a great dish. Here are some top picks:
- Pork and fennel sausage: Its anise flavor pairs well with pork, making a classic Italian taste.
- Spicy Italian sausage: Add some heat with this variety, great with penne or rigatoni.
- Chicken sausage: For a leaner option, chicken sausages offer a savory taste without the extra fat.
Essential Pasta Shapes for Sausage Recipes
Some pasta shapes work better with sausage than others. Here are the best ones:
- Penne: Its tube shape and ridges hold sausage perfectly.
- Rigatoni: Similar to penne, its wide tubes are great for sausage dishes.
- Fettuccine: Long, flat strands of fettuccine are perfect for creamy sauces.
Sausage and pasta are a match made in heaven. They offer a delicious, quick dinner option. By trying different sausages and pasta, you can make many tasty meals.
Creamy Parmesan and Italian Sausage Pasta
Make your weeknight pasta special with this sausage fettuccine alfredo dish. It’s full of rich flavors. The italian sausage pasta recipe starts with golden ground Italian sausage. Then, it’s mixed in a creamy parmesan sauce.
Aromatic sage and onion add depth. A squeeze of lemon juice balances the richness.
The secret to this dish is using pork and fennel sausages. They give it an earthy, savory taste. Rigatoni pasta is perfect for soaking up the sauce. But you can use penne or fusilli too.
Fresh sage leaves and fennel seeds add to the Italian taste. They make the meal truly satisfying.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rigatoni pasta | 8 ounces |
| Sweet Italian sausage | 1 pound |
| Half and Half | 1 1/2 cups |
| Chicken stock | 1/2 cup |
| Petite diced tomatoes | 1 (14.5 ounce) can |
| Baby spinach | 1 cup |
| Red pepper flakes | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Dried Italian seasoning | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | 3/4 cup |
This sausage fettuccine alfredo dish is full of flavor. Each serving has 570 calories, 35g carbs, 22g protein, and 37g fat. It’s also packed with Vitamin A, Calcium, and Iron.
For the ultimate comfort, serve this italian sausage pasta hot. Garnish with fresh sage and extra Parmesan. Enjoy it with a crisp white wine or a light salad for a complete meal.
Spicy Sausage and Tomato Penne
Make your weeknight dinner special with this spicy italian sausage pasta recipe. It combines spicy Italian sausage, garlic, and creamy tomato sauce. This sausage and penne pasta will satisfy your taste buds.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 460.8kcal
Adjusting Heat Levels to Your Preference
The spicy Italian sausage is the star of this recipe. For a milder taste, use sweet Italian sausage instead. Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for more heat.
Wine Pairing Suggestions
Pair this spicy italian sausage pasta with a dry white wine. Try a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. The wine’s acidity balances the sauce’s richness.
| Nutrition Facts | Value |
|---|---|
| Pasta Cooked Al Dente | Add liquid in ½ cup increments for desired pasta firmness |
| Carbohydrates | 36.1g |
| Protein | 19.7g |
| Fat | 26.7g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.1g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 10.4g |
| Trans Fat | 0.2g |
| Cholesterol | 76.8mg |
| Sodium | 1.104mg |
| Potassium | 601.6mg |
| Fiber | 2.6g |
| Sugar | 6.1g |
| Vitamin A | 653.8IU |
| Vitamin C | 13mg |
| Calcium | 48.1mg |
| Iron | 2.1mg |
“This spicy sausage and penne pasta dish is a weeknight hero – it’s quick, easy, and so full of flavor.”
One-Pot Sausage and Pasta Recipes
Sausage and pasta are a perfect pair, and one-pot recipes make them even better. These dishes combine Italian sausage, pasta, veggies, and sauce in one pot. They’re great for busy nights or meal prep.
One-pot recipes are easy on the wallet and quick to clean up. They use affordable ingredients like Italian sausage and pantry staples. You can also customize them to your liking, changing spices or pasta shapes.
There are countless one-pot sausage and pasta recipes to try. You might like a creamy sausage and rigatoni skillet or a spicy sausage and tomato penne bake. Each dish is sure to please your family with its rich flavors.
Here are some tips for making perfect one-pot sausage and pasta dishes:
- Choose a versatile pasta shape like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli that will hold up well in the sauce.
- Select a spicy or flavorful Italian sausage to amp up the taste.
- Add fresh or canned diced tomatoes for a boost of acidity and texture.
- Don’t forget to season generously with garlic, herbs, and spices.
- Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for a true Italian flair.
Follow these tips to make a tasty one-pot sausage and pasta dish at home. Enjoy the ease of a one-dish dinner and the delicious flavors of sausage and pasta.
Sausage and Rigatoni in White Wine Sauce
Make your weeknight dinner special with this tasty sausage and rigatoni dish. It’s cooked in a rich white wine pasta sauce. The mix of Italian sausage and rigatoni pasta is wrapped in a creamy sauce. It’s a treat for your taste buds.
Selecting the Right White Wine
Choosing the right white wine is crucial for the sauce. Go for a dry, crisp white like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. They add depth and acidity, matching the sausage and pasta perfectly.
Fresh Herb Additions
Add some freshness with chopped herbs like basil or parsley just before serving. These herbs bring out the flavors of the sausage and rigatoni. They make the dish balanced and delicious.
| Nutrition Facts | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 754 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 62g |
| Protein | 27g |
| Fat | 44g |
| Preparation Time | 40 minutes |
| Servings | 6 |
This sausage and rigatoni dish in a creamy white wine pasta sauce is loved by all. It’s great for weeknights or special occasions. Its quick prep, versatility, and delicious taste make it a family favorite.
Classic Italian Sausage and Pasta Recipes
Classic Italian cuisine is all about the timeless mix of italian sausage pasta. These recipes use simple, bold flavors that highlight the ingredients. Italian sausage, whether mild or spicy, pairs well with pasta shapes like orecchiette or pappardelle.
These italian sausage pasta dishes are all about keeping it simple. They often include garlic, olive oil, and sometimes fennel seeds for that Italian touch. Fresh herbs, crushed tomatoes, and white wine add depth to the flavors.
Looking for a hearty tomato sauce or a creamy dish? These classic pasta recipes with Italian sausage will hit the spot. Serve them with a crisp salad and a glass of red wine for a true Italian feast.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Penne Pasta | 12 oz. |
| Italian Sausage Links | 1 1/4 lbs. |
| Onion, chopped | 1 medium |
| Bell Pepper, seeded and chopped | 1 |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Cannellini Beans, drained | 1 (14 oz.) can |
| Diced Tomatoes | 1 (14 oz.) can |
| Kale Leaves, torn | 2 cups |
| Heavy Cream | 1/4 cup |
| Mozzarella Cheese, shredded | 1/2 cup |
| Parmesan Cheese, shredded | 1/2 cup, plus extra for garnish |
Creating a classic italian sausage pasta dish is all about quality ingredients. The right mix of sausage, pasta, and other ingredients makes for a satisfying Italian meal any day.
“The first Italian sausage and pasta recipes seem to have been recorded as long ago as the fourth or fifth century.”
Next time you want a comforting dinner, try one of these classic pasta recipes. The combination of Italian sausage and pasta is irresistible.
Quick and Easy Sausage Pasta Bakes
Sausage pasta bakes are the ultimate comfort food. They mix Italian sausage, tender pasta, creamy sauce, and melted cheese. These dishes are perfect for a weeknight dinner that everyone will love. Plus, many can be made ahead or frozen for later.
Make-Ahead Tips
To start your sausage pasta bake early, prepare a few parts ahead:
- Cook the pasta and toss it with olive oil to prevent sticking. Store it in the fridge until you’re ready.
- Brown the sausage and cook any veggies like onions and peppers ahead of time. Let them cool, then refrigerate.
- Make the sauce, whether it’s creamy or tomato-based, and chill it until needed.
- Grate or slice the cheese and keep it in an airtight container in the fridge.
When it’s time to bake, layer the pre-cooked parts in a dish. Top with cheese and bake. This is great for quick weeknight meals.
Freezing Instructions
Many sausage pasta bakes freeze well, perfect for batch cooking. To freeze, assemble the dish but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight, then bake as usual.
Sausage pasta bakes are a great make-ahead option for busy nights. With some prep work, you can have a tasty, comforting meal ready in no time.
Creamy Tomato and Fennel Sausage Pasta
This creamy sausage pasta dish is a mix of tomato, cream, and fennel flavors. It uses top-quality sausages, like pork or beef, with a hint of fennel. This adds a special aroma to the dish. The creamy sauce balances the tomatoes’ acidity, making it a perfect meal.
To make this dish, start by cooking the sausages with onions and fennel. Once the sausages are browned, add tomato passata, beef stock, and heavy cream. Then, cook the short pasta, like rigatoni or penne, in the sauce. It soaks up all the flavors. Finish with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.
This creamy tomato and fennel sausage pasta is great for any meal. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or when you’re hosting guests. The creamy pasta and the fennel’s aroma make it a hit with everyone.
