Imagine a pasta dish that transforms an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience. This Cavatelli with Spicy Tomato Sausage Sauce is not just a meal—it's a flavor explosion that will tantalize your taste buds and leave your dinner guests begging for seconds. With its perfect balance of hearty Italian sausage, rich crushed tomatoes, and a kick of red pepper flakes, this recipe promises to become your new go-to comfort food that's both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz cavatelli pasta
- 1 lb spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. The water should taste like sea water to properly season the pasta.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Cook for an additional 30 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the spicy Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon into small crumbles. Cook until the sausage is completely browned and no pink remains, approximately 6-7 minutes.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine with the sausage. Reduce heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together for about 10-12 minutes.
- While the sauce is simmering, add the cavatelli pasta to the boiling water. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- Before draining the pasta, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, which can help adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
- Drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat the cavatelli, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick.
- Season the final dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Serve immediately in warm pasta bowls. Optional: garnish with fresh basil or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Salt your pasta water generously - it should taste like the sea to properly season your pasta from the inside out.
- Don't rush the sausage browning process; take time to develop deep, caramelized flavors.
- Always reserve some pasta water before draining. The starchy liquid is a secret weapon for creating a silky, clingy sauce.
- Use fresh garlic and avoid burning it, as burnt garlic can introduce a bitter taste to your sauce.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of red wine while the sauce simmers.
- If you prefer a milder version, reduce the red pepper flakes or omit them entirely.
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can elevate the final presentation and add a bright, fresh note to the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 496kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 33g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 75mg
