Rustic Sausage and Tomato Penne Pasta

Rustic Sausage and Tomato Penne Pasta

Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, and when paired with hearty sausages and a rich tomato sauce, it becomes a dish worth savouring. This Rustic Sausage and Tomato Penne Pasta takes simple pantry staples and elevates them into a flavourful and satisfying meal. Whether you're feeding a family or impressing guests, this dish is as easy to prepare as it is to enjoy.

Ingredients

• 250g half-length penne pasta
• 4 sausages (pork, chicken, or your choice)
• 1 tin of baby tomatoes (400g)
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Pinch of chili flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
• Grated Parmesan (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Penne Pasta:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the half-length penne according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water and drain the rest.

2. Brown the Sausages:

• Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.
• Sear the sausages until golden brown on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside (they don't need to be fully cooked yet).

3. Sauté the Vegetables:

• In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and bell pepper. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, and chili flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.

4. Make the Tomato Sauce:

• Pour in the tin of baby tomatoes. Use the back of a spoon to gently crush a few for a mix of whole and crushed textures.
• Stir in the oregano, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Combine Sausages and Pasta:

• Return the sausages to the skillet, nestling them into the tomato mixture. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until the sausages are cooked through.
• Slice the sausages into bite-sized pieces and return them to the skillet.
• Add the cooked penne pasta and toss to combine. Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

6. Serve:

• Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan for added richness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe This dish combines the heartiness of sausages, the freshness of vegetables, and the comfort of pasta into one irresistible meal. The half-length penne adds a unique twist, while the smoky paprika and rich tomato sauce tie everything together beautifully. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a recipe you’ll return to time and again.

Try It and Share! We’d love to see your version of this Rustic Sausage and Tomato Penne Pasta. Share your creations with us on social media using #RusticPastaDelight and inspire others to enjoy this hearty dish. Buon appetito!