This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
This rich, savory tomato sausage pasta is made with bold Italian flavors and is ready in 30 minutes. It’s nutritious and perfect for busy weeknights.
For me, pasta is the ultimate comfort food. It’s my go-to meal when I want to feel a little more special or treat my guests just right.
I mean, who doesn’t love pasta?
There is something magical about the combination of juicy Italian sausage, rich tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta.
This tomato sausage pasta delivers bold flavors with minimal effort. Every time I make it, my friends and family think it’s a restaurant meal.
And, the best thing is that it uses simple ingredients and it’s ready in about 30 minutes.
Pin this now to find it later
Pin ItYou only need two pans to make this meal. And, if you are looking to be more efficient, you can even make it a one-pan meal by cooking everything in the same pot.
Ingredients and Substitutes
Dry farfalle pasta (2 cups) – I love how it turns out with farfalle, but you can also use penne, fusilli, or any other short pasta.
Italian sausage meat (1 lb) – Use mild or spicy sausage depending on your preferences. If you want a leaner option, you can replace it with ground turkey or chicken sausage.
Garlic, minced (2 cloves) – If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use garlic flakes or powder.
Olive oil (1 tbsp) – Replace with avocado oil or canola oil.
Cherry tomatoes, diced (1 cup) – You can also use regular tomatoes, chopped, or canned tomatoes.
Paprika (2 tsp) – I love using smoked paprika to give it an extra layer of flavor. And, you can also use chipotle powder if you would like to add some smokiness and heat to the dish.
Chili flakes (1/2 tsp) – Adjust the amount depending on your heat tolerance or remove them if you don’t like spicy food.
Salt (a pinch)
Black pepper (1/4 tsp)
Tomato puree (2 tbsp) – You can also use tomato paste or a splash of marinara sauce.
Fresh spinach (1/2 cup) – Swap with Swiss chard or kale.
GARNISH
Parmesan, finely grated, optional
How to Make Tomato Sausage Pasta
Step 1. Cook the farfalle pasta al dente according to the instructions on the label. Drain it and set it aside.
Step 2. Grab a large skillet and place it over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and break it apart.
Step 3. Add the garlic and olive oil and cook the sausage until it’s browned. It should roughly take 6-7 minutes.
Step 4. Add the paprika, chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good mix and cook for a couple of minutes.
Step 5. Add the cherry tomatoes.
Step 6. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes are a bit soft.
Step 7. Add the tomato puree and the fresh spinach.
Step 8. Give it a good stir and cook for another 2 minutes, or until the spinach wilts.
Step 9. Add the pasta to the skillet.
Step 10. Combine all the ingredients to cover the pasta with the sauce. Before serving, sprinkle some Parmesan cheese.
Pin this now to find it later
Pin ItHow I Would Modify This Recipe
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground meat with a plant-based alternative or finely chopped mushrooms.
- Gluten-Free Meal: Swap out the regular pasta with a gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or lentils. Make sure you check that all the rest of the ingredients are gluten-free.
- Low-Carb Option: Substitute the pasta with spiralized zucchini, spaghetti squash, or shirataki noodles to lower the carb content of the meal.
- Dairy-Free Version: Replace the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast.
What I Would Serve with This Tomato Sausage Pasta
- Garlic bread
- Caprese salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Caesar salad
- Bruschetta
- Antipasto platter
- Arugula salad
My Tips & Tricks
- Cook Your Pasta al Dente: Since the pasta is going to continue cooking when you combine it with the sauce, it’s important to leave it al dente. Otherwise, it can create soggy pasta.
- Brown the Sausage: Make sure you don’t rush this process. Allowing the sausage to develop a golden-brown crust results in caramelization, which adds a depth of flavor.
- Add Pasta Water: Save some pasta water for later. This can help you thin the sauce if it’s too thick for you.
My Storage Tips
This is a great recipe that I use for meal prepping. Allow the pasta to cool completely before you transfer it to an airtight container.
You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
You can also place the pasta in a freezer-safe container and keep it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Now, I do recommend storing the sauce and pasta separately since the pasta can get mushy.
When you are ready to have it, place it in the microwave at 30-second intervals, making sure you stir in between or heat up on the stove.
My Other Pasta Recipes
Tomato Sausage Pasta
Cals: 624 Protein: 24 Carbs: 38 Fat: 41
Ingredients
- 2 cups dry farfalle pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage meat
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes diced
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes
- A pinch of salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp tomato puree
- 1/2 cup fresh spinach
Garnish
- Parmesan finely grated, optional
Instructions
- Cook the farfalle pasta al dente according to the packaging instructions.
- While the pasta is being made, place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add in the Italian sausage and break it apart until it’s almost cooked through. It should take 6-7 minutes.
- Add in the garlic and olive oil and cook until the sausage meat is no longer pink.
- Add in the cherry tomatoes, paprika, chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good mix. Cook for another 3-4 minutes.
- Now, stir in the tomato puree and fresh spinach. Cook for another 2 minutes until the spinach wilts.
- Once the pasta is cooked and drained, add it to the skillet. Combine all of the ingredients to cover the pasta with the sauce. Optionally, sprinkle with grated Parmesan before serving.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
