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