Italian Sausage Pasta
- By Amy Dong
- Updated Feb. 26, 2026
My family adores this Italian sausage pasta for the ultimate comfort dish that doesn’t take all day. The sauce is hearty and flavorful, thanks to the perfect blend of seasonings. It comes together in just 30 minutes.
In This Article
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Amy’s Notes
When the men in my house were little boys, pasta was the name of the dinner game. This Italian sausage pasta quickly became one of my favorite easy dinner recipes for a quick dinner I know my entire family of eaters will devour. This dish is:
- Bold, Savory Flavor: Browning the Italian sausage first builds a deep, rich base for the sauce, similar to this Baked Penne with Sausage and Peppers.
- Versatile and Customizable: I can easily add bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to switch things up, just like this Creamy Tomato and Sausage Pasta.
- Meal Prep Friendly: It’s hearty enough for Sunday dinner but simple enough for a busy weeknight, and everyone always comes back for seconds. I hope you love it.
Key Recipe Ingredients
- Italian Sausage – Browned and crumbled, it builds the base of the sauce with rich, savory flavor. You can use mild or hot sausage depending on your spice preference.
- Tomatoes – Fresh, ripe tomatoes add brightness and texture to the sauce. Fresh is best, but canned diced tomatoes can work in a pinch.
- Tomato-Based Pasta Sauce – A good-quality marinara or your favorite jarred sauce ties everything together and gives the dish its hearty tomato flavor.
- Granulated Sugar – Just a small spoonful balances the acidity of the tomatoes without making the sauce sweet.
- Dried Oregano and Basil – These classic Italian herbs bring warmth and a familiar, comforting flavor.
- Pasta of Your Choice – Any shape works well; I like penne or rigatoni because they hold the sauce beautifully.
- Parmesan Cheese – Adds a salty, nutty finish when sprinkled over the top before serving.
Substitutions And Variations
Here are some of our favorite substitutions and variations:
- Protein Options: I like using mild Italian sausage for a classic flavor, but spicy sausage adds a nice kick. You can also swap in ground turkey or chicken sausage if you want something lighter.
- Veggie Add-Ins: Try adding mushrooms, or spinach for extra color and texture. You can also use bell peppers instead of tomatoes or a mixture of both.
- Sauce Adjustments: If you prefer a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end. You can also thin the sauce with a bit of chicken or vegetable broth if it gets too thick.
Step-By-Step Recipe Instructions
- Brown sausage in olive oil; set aside.
- Sauté garlic and onion until translucent.
- Add tomatoes and seasoning; cook briefly.
- Return sausage to pot and stir to combine.
- Add pasta sauce, sugar, herbs; simmer 20 minutes.
- Cook pasta al dente and drain.
- Toss pasta with sauce.
- Garnish with Parmesan and fresh herbs; serve.
For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.
How To Prep Ahead
Take a look at our best prep-ahead strategies for this recipe:
- Prepare the Sauce in Advance: You can cook the sausage and sauce up to two days ahead. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove before tossing with freshly cooked pasta.
- Freeze for Later: This sauce freezes beautifully. Once cooled, transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little space for expansion. It will keep well for up to three months. Thaw, reheat, and add freshly boiled pasta to it before serving.
Video: Watch Us Make This Recipe
Italian Sausage Pasta
This Italian Sausage Pasta is a favorite weeknight meal, as it takes just 30 minutes. Leftover sauce tastes even better the next day!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground Italian sausage
- 6 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 5 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 large tomatoes, ripe, seeded and chopped
- 48 ounces pasta sauce, tomato-based, such as marinara
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- kosher salt, to taste
- black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
- 1 pound pasta, of your choice
- Parmesan cheese, (optional)
- basil, freshly chopped, or oregano (optional)
Instructions
- In a heavy large pot, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil. Brown ground sausage, stirring and breaking up the meat until cooked through. Transfer to separate bowl and set aside.
- In the same large pot, heat 3 tablespoons olive oil. Add garlic and onion, and saute until translucent.
- Add in tomatoes, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Continue to cook another minute. Add browned sausage back to the pot, and stir to combine.
- Add tomato pasta sauce, sugar, oregano, and basil. Add salt and pepper to taste. Simmer 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta just until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and toss with warm pasta sauce. Garnish with parmesan and freshly chopped basil.
Notes
- Brown the sausage well. Let it develop a deep color before removing it from the pot to build rich flavor in the sauce.
- Don’t skip the sugar. A small spoonful balances the acidity of the tomatoes and rounds out the flavor.
- Simmer gently. Let the sauce bubble on low heat so the sausage and herbs infuse the tomato base without burning.
- Cook pasta just to al dente. Slightly firm pasta holds up better when tossed with the warm sauce.
- If you’d like, save a little pasta water. A splash can help the sauce cling to the noodles and adjust the consistency if needed.
- If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a bit of chicken or vegetable broth to loosen it up.
- This recipe is part of our 30-Minute Meals Recipe Collection.
- We love serving it with Easy Garlic Parmesan Knots or Rosemary Garlic Bread for a filling, family meal.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 421kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 16g | Cholesterol: 86mg | Sodium: 833mg | Potassium: 417mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1291IU | Vitamin C: 57mg | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 2mg
What To Serve with Italian Sausage Pasta
Breads
- We love serving this Italian Sausage Pasta with something warm and buttery on the side. Soft, golden Pull-Apart Rolls are perfect for soaking up the extra sauce.
- If you’re in the mood for something a little crispier, try Easy Garlic Parmesan Knots or a slice of Rosemary Garlic Bread for a rustic touch.
Salads and Veggies
- A fresh salad or veggie side keeps the meal balanced and bright. We often pair this pasta with Easiest Summer Italian Pasta Salad or a light Caprese Pasta Salad for a cool contrast.
- For something warm and simple, Perfect Air Fryer Broccoli adds just the right crunch and freshness to round out the plate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes. You can use mild, spicy, or even sweet Italian sausage depending on your taste. Chicken or turkey sausage also works well if you prefer something lighter.
What kind of pasta works best for this recipe?
Any pasta shape that holds sauce nicely will do. Penne, rigatoni, or rotini are great choices, but spaghetti or fettuccine work just as well.
Is this recipe spicy?
It depends on the sausage you use. Mild sausage keeps it family-friendly, while spicy sausage or a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a little heat.
How long does it keep?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
More to Cook and Eat
- Pasta e Fagioli (Olive Garden Copycat) – This homemade version of Olive Garden’s Pasta e Fagioli is a home run! Hearty and healthy, and tastes amazing! Leftovers are fantastic, too.
- Tender Pork Ragu – This Tender Stovetop Pork Roast is rustic, simple, and supremely delicious. Everything is cooked in one big pot to savory perfection.
- Cheesy Baked Tortellini – This Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole is easy and absolutely mouthwatering. Frozen tortellini does not need to be pre-boiled. Always a crowd pleaser.
- Easy Lasagna Soup – This easy lasagna soup combines the comfort of classic lasagna without all the extra work. It’s rich, hearty, and full of cheesy and savory goodness.