Italian Sausage Penne Pasta – A Classic 30-Minute Weeknight Dinner

A Comforting Pasta Dish That Feels Like a Hug

Craving something hearty, flavorful, and simple to throw together? This Italian Sausage Penne Pasta is your new go-to! It’s loaded with savory sausage, rich tomato sauce, and the perfect amount of herbs and garlic—all tossed with tender penne pasta. It’s the kind of dinner that looks fancy but is ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends at home.

Whether you use spicy or mild Italian sausage, this dish delivers bold, comforting flavor in every bite—and it only uses pantry staples. Plus, it reheats beautifully for lunch the next day (if you have leftovers!).

 Ingredients Overview

Here’s what you’ll need for this quick pasta recipe:

• 12 oz penne pasta

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 onion, chopped

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp dried basil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Fresh basil, for garnish

 How to Make Italian Sausage Penne Pasta (Step-by-Step)

1. Cook the Penne

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne until al dente (follow the package instructions). Drain and set aside.

2. Sauté Onion and Sausage

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, until translucent. Remove sausage casings and add the sausage meat to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned and fully cooked—about 5–7 minutes.

3. Add Garlic and Tomato Sauce

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, making sure it doesn’t burn. Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, and basil. Season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

4. Combine with Pasta

Toss the drained penne into the sauce. Stir to coat and cook for another 2–3 minutes until everything is heated through.

5. Serve and Garnish

Serve hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped basil.

Tips and Variations

• Spicy or mild: Use hot Italian sausage for extra kick or mild sausage for a family-friendly version.

• Make it creamy: Add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta at the end for a creamy finish.

• Add veggies: Stir in spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms with the tomato sauce for a nutrient boost.

• Cheese boost: Mix in mozzarella or provolone for a melty, cheesy version.

 Storage and Reheating Tips

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Reheat: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

• Freezer: This dish freezes well! Let it cool completely, portion into containers, and freeze for up to 2 months.

❓ FAQs About Italian Sausage Penne Pasta

Can I use ground beef or turkey instead of sausage?

Yes! You can substitute the Italian sausage with ground beef, turkey, or even plant-based crumbles. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Is it okay to use another pasta shape?

Definitely. Rigatoni, fusilli, or even spaghetti will work—just choose one that holds sauce well.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Absolutely! If using fresh oregano or basil, add them at the end to preserve their flavor.

What’s the best way to make it vegetarian?

Use a vegetarian sausage or omit the meat entirely and add hearty vegetables like mushrooms, eggplant, or lentils.

 Final Thoughts

This Italian Sausage Penne Pasta is a flavor-packed, crowd-pleasing meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes. It’s perfect for weeknights, dinner parties, or whenever you need something warm and satisfying.

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Italian Sausage Penne Pasta – A Classic 30-Minute Weeknight Dinner

Author: kima recipe Courses: Breakfast, Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 20 mins Rest Time 10 mins Total Time 40 mins

Servings: 1 Calories: 367

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Cheesy Vegan Pizza Beans is a delicious and satisfying vegan dish that is perfect for a quick dinner or a satisfying snack. Made with kidney beans, tomato sauce, and vegan cheese, this dish is packed with protein and flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 can of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• ¹⁄₂ cup of tomato sauce
• ¹⁄₂ cup of vegan cheese, shredded
• ¹⁄₄ cup of diced bell pepper
• ¹⁄₄ cup of diced onion
• ¹⁄₄ cup of sliced mushrooms
• ¹⁄₄ cup of sliced olives
• 1 tsp of dried oregano
• 1 tsp of dried basil
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions

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1. Rinse and sort the kidney beans. Soak the beans in a large pot of water for at least 8 hours, or overnight.

   

2. Drain and rinse the beans. Place them in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 1 hour, or until the beans are tender.

3. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) 🔥.

4. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion 🧅, bell pepper, and garlic 🧄, and cook for 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

   

5. Add the oregano, basil, salt 🧂, and black pepper, and stir to combine.

6. Add the tomato sauce 🍅 and cooked beans to the skillet and stir to combine.

   

7. Spread the bean mixture in an even layer on a baking sheet. Sprinkle the vegan cheese 🧀 shreds and vegan parmesan cheese on top.

8. Bake for 10-15 minutes 🕒, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

9. Serve hot ♨ and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings 1

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 386kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 16.7g26%

Saturated Fat 2.4g12%

Total Carbohydrate 56.5g19%

Sugars 7.5g

Protein 18.2g37%

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Vitamin A 302 IU

Vitamin C 12 mg

Calcium 135 mg

Iron 7 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

You can also use other types of beans in this recipe, such as black beans or pinto beans.

Feel free to get creative and add your favorite pizza toppings to the mix!

Keywords: delicious, homemade, vegan pizza, cheese pizza