Weeknight • Pasta
Spicy Sausage and Calabrian Pasta
A fiery and flavorful pasta dish with crumbled sausage, tomatoes, and a kick from Calabrian chiles.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 25 min
- Servings
- 4
- Level
- Weeknight
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Ready to spice things up? This Spicy Sausage and Calabrian Pasta delivers a serious punch of flavor without being overwhelmingly hot. Crumbled sausage, bright tomatoes, and the unique, fruity heat of Calabrian chiles come together in a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. It’s a bold and delicious weeknight adventure!
Ingredients
Yield: 4 servings
Main
- 12 oz short pasta (rigatoni, orecchiette, or penne)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot, casings removed), crumbled
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1-2 tsp Calabrian chili paste (or finely minced Calabrian chilies in oil), to taste
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped, plus more for garnish
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Preparation
Step 1
Cook the pasta according to package directions in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 2
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the crumbled sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat and set the sausage aside.
Step 3
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 4
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, Calabrian chili paste (start with 1 tsp and add more if you like it spicier), and dried oregano. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5
Return the cooked sausage to the sauce. Add the drained pasta to the skillet, along with the fresh basil and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to create a glossy sauce that coats the pasta.
Step 6
Serve immediately, garnished with extra fresh basil and Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- Calabrian chili paste can vary in heat; start with a smaller amount and add more to your preference.
- If you can't find Calabrian chilies, a pinch of red pepper flakes and a touch of red wine vinegar can mimic the flavor.
- For an extra layer of flavor, add a splash of red wine to the skillet after cooking the onion and garlic, scraping up any browned bits before adding the tomatoes.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad.
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