Indulge in the rich, savory flavors of Italy with our mouthwatering Italian Sausage Pasta with Mushrooms! This delightful dish combines the hearty goodness of crumbled Italian sausage, tender mushrooms, and perfectly cooked penne pasta, all enveloped in a luscious tomato sauce. With just 30 minutes from prep to plate, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a special family gathering. Get ready to impress your taste buds and elevate your dinner game—your kitchen will never smell so good!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 Italian sausages, casings removed
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the penne pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the casings from the Italian sausages and crumble the meat into the skillet.
- Cook the sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until it's browned and no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the sausage. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and start to brown.
- Mince the garlic cloves and add them to the skillet. Sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour the can of diced tomatoes into the skillet, including all the juices. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Drain the cooked pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water in case you need to adjust the sauce consistency.
- Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the sausage and mushroom sauce. Toss everything together, coating the pasta evenly.
- If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Tear fresh basil leaves and sprinkle them over the pasta just before serving.
- Serve hot, directly from the skillet, ensuring each portion has a good mix of sausage, mushrooms, and sauce.
Tips
- Perfect Pasta: Always salt your pasta water generously; it enhances the flavor of the pasta itself. Aim for a taste reminiscent of the sea!
- Sausage Secrets: For a spicier kick, consider using hot Italian sausage instead of mild. You can also mix in some sweet sausage for a balanced flavor profile.
- Mushroom Magic: Don’t skip the sautéing step for the mushrooms; it brings out their umami flavor and adds depth to the dish.
- Garlic Alert: Keep a close eye on the garlic as it cooks—it can burn quickly! Just a quick sauté will unleash its aromatic goodness without turning bitter.
- Sauce Consistency: If your sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. This will help the sauce cling beautifully to the pasta.
- Fresh Finish: Always finish with fresh basil for a burst of flavor and color. You can also try adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for an extra touch of richness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 55mg
