Marry Me Beef Sausage Pasta: Quick & Flavorful Dinner (Print Version)
This Marry Me Beef Sausage Pasta recipe is an easy, delicious weeknight meal. Rich tomato sauce, savory beef sausage, and tender pasta make a comforting dish everyone will love.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Italian
# Ingredients:
→ The Hearty Foundation
01 -
1 lb mild Italian beef sausage, casings removed
02 -
2 tbsp olive oil
03 -
1 yellow onion, diced
04 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
→ The Soulful Sauce
05 -
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
06 -
2 tbsp tomato paste
07 -
1/2 cup heavy cream
08 -
1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
09 -
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (or to taste)
10 -
1/2 tsp granulated sugar
11 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
→ The Perfect Embrace
12 -
12 oz rigatoni pasta (or penne)
→ Finishing Touches & Freshness
13 -
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
14 -
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil for the 12 oz rigatoni pasta. While the water heats, remove casings from 1 lb mild Italian beef sausage and prepare your remaining ingredients for the Marry Me Beef Sausage Pasta Recipe.
02 -
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the 1 lb mild Italian beef sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat and set the sausage aside.
03 -
Reduce heat to medium. Add the 1 yellow onion, diced, to the same skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in 4 cloves garlic, minced, and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
04 -
Stir in 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes and 2 tbsp tomato paste. Add 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, 1/2 tsp granulated sugar, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and let it cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld for your Marry Me Beef Sausage Pasta Recipe.
05 -
While the sauce simmers, add the 12 oz rigatoni pasta to the boiling water. Cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. This will be crucial for the perfect Marry Me Beef Sausage Pasta Recipe.
06 -
Stir the cooked beef sausage back into the sauce. Pour in 1/2 cup heavy cream and mix well. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash or two of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
07 -
Drain the pasta and add it directly to the sauce. Toss to coat thoroughly. Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Garnish with 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped, and serve your Marry Me Beef Sausage Pasta Recipe immediately with extra Parmesan.
# Notes:
01 -
For an extra layer of flavor, consider using hot Italian beef sausage if you prefer more spice.
02 -
Don't skip the reserved pasta water! It helps emulsify the sauce and makes it cling beautifully to the pasta.
03 -
This dish is fantastic with a side of crusty garlic bread to soak up every last bit of that delicious sauce.
04 -
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large pot
02 -
Large skillet or Dutch oven
03 -
Cutting board
04 -
Chef's knife
05 -
Measuring cups and spoons
06 -
Colander
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 1029 kcal
Total Fat: 57 g
Total Carbohydrate: 78 g
Protein: 46 g