Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious: Pink Sauce Pasta with Italian Sausage! This creamy, savory delight combines the rich flavors of Italian sausage with a luscious pink sauce, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a show-stopping meal for guests. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up this restaurant-quality dish that’s sure to impress. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe is simple enough for anyone to master. Dive into the world of Italian cuisine and discover how to create a pasta dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add 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 pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove Italian sausage from casings and crumble into the skillet.
- Cook sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until it's fully browned and no pink remains, approximately 6-7 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from the skillet, leaving a small amount for flavor.
- Reduce heat to medium and add marinara sauce to the skillet with the cooked sausage. Stir to combine.
- Pour in heavy cream and sprinkle red pepper flakes. Stir gently to create a smooth, pink-colored sauce.
- Drain cooked pasta, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water in case sauce needs thinning.
- Add drained pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat each pasta piece evenly.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Remove from heat and transfer to serving plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately while hot, optionally with grated Parmesan cheese on the side.
Tips
- Perfect Pasta: Always salt your boiling water generously before adding the pasta. This is your chance to season the pasta itself, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
- Quality Sausage: Use high-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor. You can choose between mild or spicy, depending on your preference.
- Creamy Consistency: If you find the sauce too thick, don’t hesitate to add a little reserved pasta water to achieve your desired creaminess.
- Fresh Herbs: For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding fresh basil or oregano along with the parsley for garnish.
- Cheese It Up: Serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese on the side. It adds a delightful salty finish that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Make It Your Own: Feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables, such as spinach or bell peppers, to add color and nutrition to your dish.
- Leftovers: This dish reheats wonderfully, so make a double batch and enjoy it for lunch the next day!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 650kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 95mg
