If you’re craving comfort food with a kick, this Spicy Sausage Rotini is about to become your new favorite dinner! It’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with bold, spicy flavors. The savory sausage, tender rotini pasta, and rich tomato sauce come together in a dish that’s both cozy and exciting. Best of all? It’s quick, easy, and made in just one pan—hello, easy cleanup!
Why You’ll Love Spicy Sausage Rotini
This recipe is pure comfort with a little fiery twist. Here’s why it’s a must-try:
Versatile: Whether you like it extra spicy or just mildly warm, you can easily adjust the heat level to suit your taste.
Budget-Friendly: Simple pantry staples and affordable ingredients make this an easy weeknight dinner without breaking the bank.
Quick and Easy: 30 minutes, one pan, and minimal effort—perfect for busy days when you want something delicious fast.
Customizable: Swap the sausage, use your favorite pasta, or add extra veggies—this dish is super flexible!
Crowd-Pleasing: The rich, creamy sauce and bold flavors make this a hit with both spice lovers and pasta fans.
Ingredients
Ingredients in Spicy Sausage Rotini
This dish is packed with flavor, thanks to a few simple ingredients:
Rotini Pasta: The twists and ridges hold onto the sauce beautifully, giving you flavor in every bite.
Spicy Sausage: The key to the heat! Use hot Italian sausage for a fiery kick or mild sausage if you prefer less spice.
Onion & Garlic: A savory, aromatic base that builds up the depth of flavor.
Crushed Tomatoes: The rich, tangy backbone of the sauce. Fire-roasted tomatoes add an extra smoky note.
Chicken Broth: Helps the pasta cook right in the sauce, absorbing all that delicious flavor.
Heavy Cream: Adds a silky, luscious texture that balances out the spice.
Red Pepper Flakes: For those who love the heat, this takes it up a notch!
Parmesan Cheese: Because everything’s better with cheese, right? Adds a nutty, salty depth to the sauce.
Fresh Basil or Parsley: A final pop of freshness to balance out the rich flavors.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Brown the Sausage
In a large skillet or pan, cook the spicy sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it into crumbles as it browns. Drain any excess grease.
Sauté the Aromatics
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté until soft and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
Build the Sauce
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and red pepper flakes. Stir well, letting the flavors meld together.
Cook the Pasta in the Sauce
Add the uncooked rotini directly into the sauce. Cover and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and absorbs all the flavor.
Make It Creamy
Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, creating a rich, velvety sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
Finish and Serve
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, then serve hot and cheesy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: Approximately 500
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve Spicy Sausage Rotini
This dish is already incredibly satisfying, but here are a few great serving ideas:
- With Garlic Bread: Because mopping up that creamy sauce is a must!
- Side Salad: A fresh, crisp salad balances out the rich, spicy flavors.
- Extra Parmesan: Sprinkle a little extra on top—because why not?
- A Drizzle of Olive Oil: Adds a glossy finish and extra depth of flavor.
Additional Tips
- Prefer it less spicy? Use mild Italian sausage and skip the red pepper flakes.
- Want extra veggies? Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for more color and nutrition.
- No rotini? Penne, rigatoni, or any short pasta works great.
- Make it extra cheesy by adding shredded mozzarella on top before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days—it tastes even better the next day!
FAQ’s
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Penne, fusilli, or rigatoni work just as well.
2. How can I make it even spicier?
Use extra red pepper flakes, a spicier sausage, or add diced jalapeños.
3. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
You can, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy. A mix of milk and butter can help!
4. How do I make this dish lighter?
Use turkey sausage, whole wheat pasta, and a light cream alternative.
5. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Make it in advance and reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream.
6. Can I freeze this?
Yes, but the sauce may separate slightly. Reheat gently and stir well.
7. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
8. What if my sauce gets too thick?
Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up.
9. Can I add protein?
Yes! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or extra sausage would be delicious.
10. What if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?
Try Pecorino Romano or shredded mozzarella instead.
Conclusion
This Spicy Sausage Rotini is the perfect balance of bold, creamy, and comforting flavors. With tender pasta, spicy sausage, and a rich tomato-cream sauce, it’s a one-pan wonder that’s easy to make and hard to resist.
Trust me—one bite, and you’ll be hooked!
Print
Spicy Sausage Rotini
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian/American
Description
A bold and flavorful pasta dish featuring spicy sausage, tender rotini, and a zesty tomato sauce, perfect for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
– 12 oz rotini pasta
– 1 lb spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional for richness)
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1/2 tsp dried basil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Olive oil for cooking
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sliced red bell pepper, and sauté until softened, about 4-5 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add the spicy Italian sausage to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until browned and fully cooked.
5. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer for 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
6. For a creamier sauce, stir in the heavy cream and let it heat through.
7. Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce until evenly coated.
8. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve hot.
Notes
– Adjust the spice level by choosing a milder or hotter sausage based on your preference.
– For a dairy-free option, substitute the heavy cream with a non-dairy cream alternative.
– Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 500 kcal (approx.)
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg