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- 12 oz penne pasta - 8 oz spicy Italian sausage, casing removed and crumbled - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 garlic cloves, minced - 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes - 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional) When you prepare your ingredients, use a kitchen scale for accurate amounts. For the onion, make sure to dice it small. This helps it cook evenly. Mince the garlic finely for great flavor in every bite. Measure the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth with liquid measuring cups for precision. If you like heat, keep the red pepper flakes handy as you cook. You can adjust them to your taste. You can swap the penne pasta for any pasta you like. Bowtie or rotini work well too. If you can't find spicy Italian sausage, use mild sausage with added red pepper flakes. For a vegetarian option, try crumbled tofu or lentils instead of sausage. If you want a lighter dish, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Fresh herbs like parsley can replace the basil if you prefer. Start by gathering all your ingredients. This makes cooking easier and more fun. You will need: - 12 oz penne pasta - 8 oz spicy Italian sausage, casing removed and crumbled - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 garlic cloves, minced - 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes - 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional) Next, chop the onion and mince the garlic. This helps release their flavors better during cooking. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the crumbled spicy Italian sausage. Cook until it turns brown, about 3-5 minutes. Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks. Once the sausage is browned, stir in the diced onion. Cook it until it becomes soft and translucent, which takes about 3 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds until it smells great. Now, pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Add red pepper flakes, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well to combine. Next, bring this mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta. Make sure to stir it well so the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 12-15 minutes. Stir occasionally until the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed. When the pasta is done, take the pot off the heat. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve it hot. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top if you like. This recipe makes 4 servings. Enjoy your meal! To boost flavor, use fresh herbs. Fresh basil adds a nice touch. You can also try thyme or parsley for extra taste. If you want more heat, add extra red pepper flakes. For a smoky flavor, try adding a bit of smoked paprika. Start by cooking the sausage well. This adds depth to the dish. Stir it often to break it apart. Cook until it’s nicely browned. This step builds flavor. When you add the pasta, make sure it's fully submerged in the broth. This helps it absorb the sauce better. Stir occasionally for even cooking. One common mistake is overcooking the pasta. This makes it mushy. Check it a minute before the time is up. Another mistake is not tasting the dish. Always taste the sauce before serving. Adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Lastly, don’t skip the fresh basil. It lifts the dish and adds brightness. {{image_2}} You can easily change the flavor of this dish. Swap the spicy Italian sausage for sweet Italian sausage if you prefer less heat. Ground turkey or chicken also works well. If you want a smokier taste, try adding chorizo. For a deeper flavor, include some diced bell peppers or mushrooms. You can even use different pasta types, like rigatoni or fusilli, to mix things up. To make this dish vegetarian, replace the sausage with plant-based sausage or lentils. Lentils add protein and a hearty texture. You can also use chickpeas for a nutty flavor. For a vegan option, skip the cheese and use nutritional yeast instead. This adds a cheesy flavor without the dairy. You can still enjoy the rich taste of tomatoes and spices. Using seasonal ingredients makes this dish burst with flavor. In spring, add fresh asparagus or peas for a pop of color. During summer, toss in zucchini or cherry tomatoes. Fall is perfect for adding spinach or kale. For winter, consider roasted butternut squash. All these additions bring freshness and nutrition to your one-pot meal. Plus, they make your dish more colorful and appealing! Store your One-Pot Spicy Sausage Tomato Pasta in an airtight container. Let it cool down before sealing it. This helps keep the flavors fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. To reheat the pasta, use a pot on low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir gently until it warms up evenly. You can also use a microwave. Place it in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, to avoid hot spots. For freezing, portion the pasta into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove or microwave as mentioned above. Enjoy your tasty meal anytime! To make the pasta spicier, you can add more red pepper flakes. Start with an extra half teaspoon. If you like heat, try using spicy sausage instead of mild. You can also add diced jalapeños or hot sauce. Just remember, taste as you go. You want the heat to enhance the dish, not overpower it. This pasta pairs well with a fresh salad. A simple green salad with vinaigrette works great. You can also serve garlic bread on the side. To elevate your meal, a light white wine complements the flavors. For an extra touch, sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese on top before serving. Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Cook the pasta and sauce as directed, then cool it down. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to eat, reheat on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of broth to keep it moist. Enjoy your easy, flavorful meal any day! This blog post covered all key steps for making great pasta. We discussed ingredients, preparation, cooking methods, and tips. I shared ways to avoid common mistakes and enhance flavors. You learned about variations, like vegetarian options and seasonal swaps. Lastly, I provided storage tips to keep your pasta fresh. Remember, cooking is about having fun and being creative. You can make this dish your own with easy changes and unique flavors. Enjoy your pasta adventures!

One-Pot Spicy Sausage Tomato Pasta

Get ready to spice up your dinner with this Sizzling Spicy Sausage Tomato Pasta recipe! Made with zesty Italian sausage, flavorful crushed tomatoes, and perfectly cooked penne pasta, this dish is a delicious blend of heat and comfort. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests, you'll love how easy it is to whip up in just 30 minutes. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your pasta game tonight!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz penne pasta

8 oz spicy Italian sausage, casing removed and crumbled

1 medium onion, diced

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes

2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions
 

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

    Add the crumbled spicy Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 3-5 minutes.

      Stir in the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

        Pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, red pepper flakes, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

          Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the penne pasta. Stir well to ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid.

            Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is cooked and the liquid is mostly absorbed.

              Remove from heat, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

                Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 mins | 30 mins | 4 servings