Spicy Italian Sausage Penne
Try this Spicy Italian Sausage Penne recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Spicy Italian Sausage Penne recipe, or contribute your own.
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 red pepper chopped
- 1/2 medium onion chopped
- 1/4 tsp dried parsley flakes
- dash red pepper flakes
- 1 lb hot italian sausages
- 1/2 habanero pepper minced
- 540 ml can stewed tomatoes (i used a garlic and olive oil fla
- 398 ml can tomato sauce
- 80 z penne noodles uncooked
- Carbohydrate 10.5760674048898 g
- Cholesterol 344.7302012 mg
- Fat 145.798951189105 g
- Fiber 1.75446827032041 g
- Protein 66.0588110582855 g
- Saturated Fat 51.6169115325329 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (545g)
- Sodium 3395.5381642824 mg
- Sugar 8.82159913456938 g
- Trans Fat 7.91636978637124 g
- Calories 1636 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 400F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
- Place sausages on foil and bake for 30 minutes, turning once, halfway through.
- Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion, red pepper and habanero pepper. Cook stirring occasionally until softened.
- Add garlic and stir continuously for 1 minute.
- Add in stewed tomatoes, tomato sauce, red pepper flakes, dried parsley flakes, salt, pepper and penne noodles.
- Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to a simmer.
- When sausages are ready, slice and add to the skillet.
- Cook stirring occasionally until penne noodles are al dente, approximately 20 minutes.
- Leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
A Weeknight Winner: Spicy Italian Sausage Penne
As a busy working mom, I'm always on the lookout for quick, delicious, and satisfying meals that the whole family will enjoy. This Spicy Italian Sausage Penne recipe has become a staple in our household. It's incredibly easy to make, even on those crazy weeknights when time is of the essence, yet it still manages to feel special and flavorful. The combination of spicy Italian sausage, sweet peppers, and tangy tomatoes creates a harmonious balance that’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, and even impressive enough for a casual get-together with friends.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. I love that I can prep most of the ingredients while the sausages are baking, making it a streamlined cooking process. The oven-baked sausages add a beautiful char and depth of flavor that you just can’t get from pan-frying. Plus, the clean-up is a breeze! I usually just line my baking sheet with foil, making post-dinner cleanup quick and effortless, which is always a huge bonus in my book. I love using a good quality Italian sausage – the flavor really shines through in this dish.
This recipe is also incredibly versatile. Feel free to adjust the spice level to your liking. If you’re not a fan of habanero peppers, you can easily omit them or substitute a milder pepper like jalapeño. Similarly, if you prefer a less spicy dish, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes. You can also experiment with different types of pasta. While penne works perfectly, other short pasta shapes like rigatoni or rotini would also be delicious. And for a vegetarian twist, simply substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles. The possibilities are endless!
One of my favorite things about this dish is how well it holds up as leftovers. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, and it’s just as delicious (if not more so!) the next day. I often make a double batch on the weekend and enjoy leftovers for lunch throughout the week. It’s the perfect make-ahead meal for busy professionals like myself who appreciate a quick and satisfying meal without compromising on taste or quality.
Beyond the Weeknight:
This Spicy Italian Sausage Penne isn’t just for weeknights. It’s surprisingly elegant and adaptable for a more formal setting. Consider using high-quality ingredients, such as San Marzano tomatoes and fresh herbs, to elevate the dish. You could serve it with a side of crusty bread for dipping into the delicious sauce or a simple green salad to balance the richness of the pasta. This makes it a crowd-pleasing option for a dinner party or a special occasion.
Tips and Tricks for Success:
Choosing your sausage: Select a good quality Italian sausage – this is the star of the show! Look for sausages with a good balance of herbs and spices.
Don’t overcook the pasta: Cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly in the sauce.
Taste and adjust: Adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences. Add more red pepper flakes for extra heat or more salt and pepper to balance the flavors.
Make it your own: Experiment with adding other vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
Serve it up: Garnish with fresh parsley or Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal.
This Spicy Italian Sausage Penne is more than just a recipe; it's a testament to the power of simple, flavorful ingredients and the joy of creating a delicious meal that nourishes both body and soul. It's a recipe that has become a comforting constant in our busy lives and one I'm happy to share with you.
So, whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, give this recipe a try. I'm confident it will quickly become a new favorite in your home too. Happy cooking!
