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For my Minute Italian Sausage Pasta, you will need: - 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti or your favorite pasta - 1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 zucchini, diced - 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish When choosing Italian sausage, I recommend looking for these brands: - Johnsonville: Known for its rich flavor and good texture. - Aidells: Offers a variety of tasty and unique flavors. - Boar's Head: Great for high-quality, all-natural options. These brands provide a nice balance of spices and meat quality. Fresh produce makes a big difference in taste. Here are my tips: - Choose firm vegetables: For bell peppers and zucchinis, select ones that feel solid. - Look for bright colors: Vibrant colors often mean better flavor. - Check for blemishes: Avoid any produce with dark spots or soft areas. - Smell the garlic: It should have a strong, fresh scent. By choosing fresh ingredients, your dish will shine with flavor and texture. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Use enough water to let the pasta move freely. Once the water boils, add 12 ounces of spaghetti. Cook this for about 8 to 10 minutes. Check the package for exact times. You want the pasta to be al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard. Once it's cooked, drain the pasta. Keep half a cup of the pasta water. This will help later. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Take your 1 pound of Italian sausage and remove its casing. Crumble the sausage into the skillet. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring often. You want the sausage to be browned and cooked through. It adds great flavor to the dish. Now, add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper to the sausage. Sauté these for about 3 to 4 minutes. The veggies should soften but not lose their color. Next, add the diced zucchini and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. Pour in a 14.5-ounce can of crushed tomatoes. Add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, and red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Season with salt and pepper. Mix everything well and let it simmer for 5 to 10 minutes. This helps the flavors blend. Finally, add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Toss gently to coat the pasta in the sauce. If it looks dry, pour in some of that reserved pasta water until it’s just right. To add more flavor to your Minute Italian Sausage Pasta, try these tips: - Use fresh herbs: Fresh basil gives a bright flavor. Add it at the end. - Add cheese: Mix in grated Parmesan while cooking for creaminess. - Spice it up: If you love heat, use more red pepper flakes. - Use good quality sausage: Quality sausage packs a lot of flavor. Choose based on your taste. - Sauté longer: Let the onions and garlic cook until they are golden. This adds depth. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making this dish: - Overcooking the pasta: Follow package directions for al dente pasta. It should have a bite. - Skipping the pasta water: That reserved water helps sauce stick to the pasta. - Not tasting while cooking: Always taste your sauce. Adjust salt and spices as needed. - Cooking all at once: Sauté vegetables separately for better texture and flavor. - Using dry herbs at the wrong time: Add dried herbs early to let them bloom in the sauce. To serve your dish perfectly, consider these ideas: - Garnish with fresh basil: It adds color and a fresh taste. - Pair with a side salad: A simple green salad balances the meal. - Serve with garlic bread: This makes a great side for soaking up sauce. - Add a splash of lemon juice: This brightens the flavors in the dish. - Offer extra cheese: Set out grated Parmesan for guests to add more cheese if they wish. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will enhance the flavor of the dish, making it more aromatic and delicious. Add Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water helps to create a creamy sauce that clings to the pasta perfectly. Add it gradually until you reach the desired consistency. Experiment with Sausage: Try different types of Italian sausage, such as sweet, mild, or spicy, to customize the dish to your taste preferences. Garnish for Flavor: Fresh basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese not only add flavor but also elevate the presentation of your dish. {{image_2}} You can use other pasta shapes, not just spaghetti. Try penne, fusilli, or rotini. These shapes hold sauce well and add fun to your meal. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta works too. They keep your dish healthy and tasty. Feel free to mix up the vegetables in this dish. Bell peppers add sweetness, while zucchini gives a nice crunch. You can also add mushrooms or spinach. Try broccoli for extra color and nutrition. Use whatever you have in your fridge. This makes the dish your own. To make this dish vegetarian, swap the sausage for plant-based sausage. There are many brands available now. For a vegan option, skip the cheese or use a vegan alternative. You can also add more veggies for flavor. This way, everyone can enjoy a great meal. After enjoying your Minute Italian Sausage Pasta, store leftovers in an airtight container. This helps keep the dish fresh. Let the pasta cool down to room temperature before sealing. Do not leave it out for more than two hours. This prevents bacteria growth. If you have extra sauce, store it separately. You can freeze the pasta for later meals. Make sure it’s in a freezer-safe container. Use plastic wrap or aluminum foil to cover it tightly. It will stay good for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed. Stir often to keep it from sticking. Properly stored, your Minute Italian Sausage Pasta lasts in the fridge for up to four days. Check for any off smells or changes in color before eating. If you see mold, throw it out. It's better to be safe than sorry. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety. Yes, you can use other types of sausage. Chicken sausage or turkey sausage works well. You can even try bratwurst or chorizo for a different taste. Each sausage brings its own flavor. Just make sure to cook it fully. Cooking pasta is quick and easy. It usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Follow the package directions for best results. Make sure to taste it to see if it’s al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. You can serve many things with this dish. A simple green salad pairs well. Garlic bread or crusty rolls also make a great side. If you want something warm, try steamed vegetables. These options add color and balance to your meal. This blog covered key parts of making a great Italian sausage pasta dish. We talked about choosing fresh ingredients and brands you can trust. The step-by-step guide helped you cook the pasta and sausage perfectly. Tips and tricks help avoid common mistakes. We also explored fun variations for different diets. Finally, I shared how to store leftovers properly. With these insights, you can create a delicious meal. Now, it's your turn to enjoy this tasty dish!

Savory Italian Sausage Pasta

A delicious pasta dish featuring Italian sausage and fresh vegetables in a savory tomato sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz spaghetti or your preferred pasta
  • 1 lb Italian sausage
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 1 zucchini diced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for serving grated Parmesan cheese
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Remove the casing from the Italian sausage and crumble it into the skillet. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
  • To the skillet, add the diced onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Add the zucchini and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  • Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and let it simmer for about 5-10 minutes until heated through.
  • Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing it gently in the sauce. If the pasta seems dry, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  • Plate individual servings and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the spice level by choosing mild or spicy sausage.
Keyword dinner, Italian sausage, pasta