Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure! This Spicy Sausage Rotini isn't just another pasta dish – it's a mouth-watering journey through bold Italian-inspired flavors that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Imagine tender rotini twirls perfectly coated in a rich, spicy sauce, packed with juicy Italian sausage and vibrant roasted red peppers that dance together in a symphony of taste. Whether you're a pasta lover, a spice enthusiast, or just someone looking to elevate their weeknight cooking, this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 1 lb spicy Italian sausage
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 jar (12 oz) roasted red peppers, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil 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 rotini pasta to boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove casings from Italian sausage and crumble the meat into the skillet.
- Cook sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until browned and no pink remains, approximately 6-7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the sausage. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Drain and chop roasted red peppers. Add them to the sausage along with diced tomatoes. Stir to combine.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer the sauce for 5-6 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
- Drain cooked pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water. Add pasta to the sausage and tomato mixture.
- Toss pasta with sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed to help sauce coat the pasta evenly.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh torn basil leaves. Optionally, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- Salt is Your Secret Weapon: Don't be shy with pasta water salting - it should taste like the sea to properly season your pasta from the inside out.
- Al Dente is Key: Watch your pasta closely and test it a minute before package instructions suggest. The perfect texture is slightly firm to the bite.
- Reserve Pasta Water: That starchy liquid is liquid gold for creating a silky, clingy sauce that hugs every pasta ridge.
- Sausage Browning Technique: Break the sausage into small, even pieces and let it develop a deep golden-brown color for maximum flavor development.
- Fresh Herbs Matter: Use fresh basil just before serving to add a bright, aromatic finish that elevates the entire dish.
- Spice Control: Adjust red pepper flakes to your heat preference - start conservatively and add more if needed.
- Quick Tip for Leftovers: This dish reheats beautifully. Just add a splash of water or olive oil to restore moisture when warming.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 632kcal
Carbohydrates: 74g
Protein: 26g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 56mg
