Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta

Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta

This spicy pasta dish is full of flavor, is quick and easy, and has just the right amount of heat. Perfectly cooked Italian sausage is combined with onions, bell peppers, pasta, mozzarella cheese, and an easy, flavorful tomato sauce to create a dish that’s everything we love about Italian food in one easy dish. It’s the perfect hearty meal for a busy weeknight.

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe

This delicious dish is so simple and so delicious. You’re going to love everything about it! Of course, I’m biased, but I firmly believe if you make it once you’ll agree.

• This dish is extremely hearty, super easy, and absolutely delicious. It’s a pasta dish that leaves you feeling like you really ate something satisfying.
• It only uses simple ingredients, so you won’t be scouring the store for some ingredient that you’ve never heard of or ever even seen.
• You can put this together in advance and then heat it up for your family or guests. It’s just as good when reheated!
• Speaking of being great reheated, this dish makes excellent leftovers!

Variations

Just like any pasta recipe of this kind, this pasta recipe is so easy to play with. You can make simple tweaks to change it up to suit your tastes perfectly.

• If you don’t like spicy food, use mild or sweet Italian sausage.
• Use any of your favorite short pasta varieties. Macaroni, penne pasta, and the like work well.
• If you like more heat, try adding some hot peppers to the dish. I do this all the time!

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about this spicy Italian sausage pasta, then read on. The following FAQ answers the most commonly asked questions about this dish.

What is Italian sausage?

In Italy, Italian sausage can be any number of sausages. However, in North America, Italian sausage commonly refers to pork sausage that’s been seasoned with fennel as the main seasoning. Hot Italian sausage has added red pepper flakes, while sweet Italian sausage has sweet basil.

How to remove sausage casing?

Cut the sausage from end to end down one side with a sharp knife. Then, flip the sausage over, grab the split end with your forefinger and thumb and gently pull it away from the sausage.

Do you have to remove sausage casing before cooking?

If your sausage was made with a natural casing, then there’s no need to remove it if you’re going to cook it whole. For recipes like this, you’ll need to remove the casing. Some sausages are made with synthetic casings which are inedible, and you will have to remove those.

How do you know when Italian sausage is done?

When cooking sausage out of the casing, you can tell the meat is done when it’s all nicely browned. If cooking a whole sausage, cut into the sausage. If the meat is firm and only slightly pink in the very center, the sausage is done.

Is it OK for Italian sausage to be a little pink?

Yes. Italian sausage is a cured meat, meaning it’s made with salt. That salt can sometimes keep the meat from turning gray. If it’s a bit pink in the center and firm, you should be all good.

What to serve with Italian Sausage Pasta Leftovers

This dish is so good, you can make an entire meal of it all on its own. That being said, other great sides pair well with it. Some ideas are:

• Side salad
• Crusty bread
• Mixed vegetables
• Vegetable casseroles
• Mac and cheese

How to Store and Reheat Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta

You don’t want all your work – as little as it was – to go to waste, so be sure you store your leftovers properly.

Best Way to Store Italian Sausage Leftovers

Place your leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator.

How long will this pasta recipe last in the fridge?

It will keep for 3 to 4 days.

Can I freeze this spicy Italian sausage pasta recipe?

Absolutely. Place your leftovers in an air-tight, freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To defrost place it in the refrigerator overnight.

How to Reheat Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta

To reheat the dish, place it in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Then bake it at 350 for about 20 minutes or until it’s thoroughly heated through.

Ingredients for Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta

It only takes a few simple ingredients to make this delicious recipe. You’ll find them all easily at your local grocery store.

• Hot Italian sausage
• Onion
• Green bell pepper
• Cloves garlic
• Cavatappi noodles
• Tomato sauce
• Tomato paste
• Rotel®
• Mozzarella cheese
• Water
• Oregano
• Basil
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes

How to Make Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta

Making this delicious dish is just as easy as getting your ingredients together. It only takes a few simple steps.

Step 1: Make the Pasta

Cook the pasta according to the package directions in a large pot over medium-high heat. Rinse pasta and then place it back in the pot.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Vegetables

In a large skillet or large frying pan on medium heat, add the sausage, onions, and bell pepper. Crumble the sausage as it cooks. Then sprinkle the sausage and veggies with seasonings and continue cooking until the sausage is no longer pink and the onions and bell peppers are tender. Add garlic and cook for an additional two minutes Drain any excess grease and then return the mixture to the pan.

Step 3: Add the Sauce Ingredients

Pour the tomato sauce, tomato paste, Rotel, and water into the sausage mixture and stir to combine.

Step 4: Simmer

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 5: Combine with the Pasta

Add the sausage mixture to the noodles in the pot and stir. Then, add the shredded mozzarella cheese and stir. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese, if desired. Enjoy!

Try This Delicious Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe Today

This recipe is so full of flavor, people might think it took you hours to make, but in reality, you’ll be in and out of the kitchen in a flash. Give this recipe a try, and I know you’ll find yourself making it again and again. With so much flavor and so little work, I’m sure it will quickly become one of your favorites.

More Delicious Recipes You’ll Enjoy

Farfalle with Sausage – This pasta recipe is my children’s favorite recipe. It is loaded with cheesy deliciousness and is super easy to make. Seriously, one of the best pasta recipes EVER!

Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta – This creamy pasta recipe is packed with flavor, is hearty and delicious and uses simple ingredients. An easy dinner recipe that can be on the table in no time.

One Skillet Italian Sausage Scramble – This breakfast scramble is another delicious Italian Sausage recipe that takes breakfast to a whole new level. Full of flavor, this is definitely a hearty and delicious meal.

And, how about a delicious Crock Pot Queso, also with sausage, from Deliciously Seasoned that you might enjoy as well.