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Smoked Sausage Pasta

This smoked sausage pasta recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Browning the sausage and using red wine creates a rich and complex sauce that coats perfectly cooked pasta for a satisfying and easy meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound pasta penne, rotini, or farfalle
  • 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup dry red wine
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
  • Salt for pasta water

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • colander
  • knife
  • cutting board
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • wooden spoon or spatula

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned and slightly crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and red wine. Stir in the oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, to allow the flavors to meld.
  5. Add the cooked smoked sausage back to the skillet with the sauce. Stir to combine.
  6. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
  7. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Browning the sausage is crucial for developing deep flavor. If you don't have red wine, a squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of balsamic vinegar can be used for acidity. Reserve pasta water for adjusting the sauce consistency. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.