Bring big Italian-inspired flavor to your dinner table with this comforting sausage penne. Savory Italian sausage, tender pasta, juicy tomatoes, and rich cream come together in a smooth, flavorful sauce with just the right amount of heat. Finished with Parmesan and fresh basil, this satisfying meal is ready in about 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and delicious.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
Penne pasta
Olive oil
Salt, for the pasta water
For the Sausage and Aromatics
Italian sausage
Onion, chopped
Garlic, minced
For the Sauce
Chicken broth or white wine
Diced tomatoes
Heavy cream
Dried basil
Crushed red pepper flakes
Black pepper
Salt
For Finishing
Parmesan cheese, grated
Fresh basil leaves
Extra Parmesan cheese, optional for serving
How to Make
Cook the penne: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne and cook until tender, following the package directions. Drain well and set aside.
Brown the sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon into bite-sized pieces. Cook for approximately 5–6 minutes, until browned and fully cooked.
Cook the aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet. Sauté until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, allowing its aroma to develop.
Deglaze the skillet: Pour in the chicken broth or white wine. Use your spoon to loosen the browned bits from the bottom of the pan, then let the liquid bubble and reduce for about 2 minutes.
Prepare the creamy tomato sauce: Stir in the diced tomatoes, heavy cream, dried basil, salt, crushed red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer gently until the flavors combine and the sauce thickens slightly.
Combine the pasta and sauce: Add the cooked penne to the skillet and toss until the pasta is evenly covered. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the creamy sauce.
Finish and serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Scatter fresh basil leaves over the pasta and add extra Parmesan if desired. Serve hot while the sauce is creamy and delicious.
Important Recipe Tips
Season the pasta water: Add a generous amount of salt to the boiling water so the penne develops flavor as it cooks.
Adjust the heat: Use more or fewer crushed red pepper flakes depending on how spicy you like your pasta.
Try a lighter sauce: Replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a lighter alternative that still adds creaminess.
Switch the protein: Plant-based sausage or grilled chicken can be used instead of Italian sausage for a different version.
Make it ahead: Prepare the dish in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days for convenient meals during the week.
Serve with simple sides: Warm crusty bread is excellent for soaking up the sauce. A crisp green salad with light vinaigrette also balances the richness. Extra fresh basil or parsley makes a lovely finishing touch.
Choose a wine pairing: Chianti or Sangiovese pairs nicely with the bold sausage and creamy tomato sauce.
Refrigerate leftovers: Store cooked pasta in sealed containers in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. For the best texture, keep the pasta and sauce separate when possible.
Freeze the sauce: The sausage and sauce mixture can be frozen without the pasta for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently, then combine with freshly cooked pasta.
Reheat gently: Warm refrigerated pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water. Stir frequently to prevent sticking or burning, and finish with extra Parmesan if desired.
Final Thought
This creamy Italian sausage penne brings together everything you want in a comforting dinner: hearty sausage, tender pasta, a rich tomato cream sauce, and plenty of Parmesan. Serve it with warm bread or a fresh salad, gather everyone around the table, and enjoy a satisfying meal full of bold flavor.
