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–+ servings
closeup of spicy italian sausage pasta in a white bowl with shaved parmesan on top

Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta

Casey Rooney
This Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta is a hearty comfort food great for the whole family! Tender pasta is tossed in a rich and spicy sauce made with hot Italian sausage, heavy cream, broth, and warm spices. The best part is this hearty pasta dish comes together so quickly - it's perfect for busy weeknights! 
5 from 8 votes
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner, lunch, Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 4
Calories 554 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 16oz. box rigatoni or your favorite pasta shape
  • 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 1/2 cup sweet onion, chopped
  • 1 lb. spicy Italian sausage (3-4 links), casings removed
  • 3/4 cup chicken stock
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper can also use chili powder
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp fresh or dried chives
  • 1/2 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese + more for serving
  • red pepper flakes (optional), for additional heat

Instructions
 

  • Prep: Cook pasta 1-2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain. Toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and set aside (See Note 1).
  • Cook: While pasta is cooking, start making the sauce. In a large skillet over medium high heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. When oil is hot, add onions. Cook 2-3 minutes.
  • Add: Add the sausage links and cook sausage, breaking it up into pieces with the wooden spoons until cooked through -- about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the chicken stock and tomato paste. Stir to combine.
  • Add: Reduce heat to medium and add the heavy cream, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix well. Then, add chives and freshly grated cheese. Stir and cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes or until sauce thickens up a bit.
  • Finish: Add pasta and toss to combine. Sprinkle on more Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes, if using.

Notes

Note 1: Don't overcook the pasta. You want it to be firm to the bite as it will continue to cook when added to the sauce. A good rule of thumb is to cook your pasta 1-2 minutes less than the package directions. 
 
Nutrition is only an estimate based on the Very Well Fit Nutrition Calculator
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Nutrition

Calories: 554kcalCarbohydrates: 46gProtein: 30gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 9.5gCholesterol: 86mgSodium: 878mgPotassium: 237mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin D: 8µgCalcium: 145mgIron: 3mg
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