Description
Rotini Pasta with Italian Sausage
Ingredients
12 oz rotini pasta
1 lb Italian sausage, sliced
2 cups marinara sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
Cook the pasta: Boil rotini in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Cook the sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced Italian sausage and cook until browned, about 6-7 minutes.
Add garlic and sauce: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Pour in the marinara sauce and red pepper flakes. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
Combine everything: Add the cooked rotini to the skillet. Toss until the pasta is well-coated with the sauce and sausage. Season with salt and pepper.
Serve: Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves. Enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: ~400 kcal per serving
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a foolproof meal. First, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini and cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage in a single layer, working in batches if needed, and cook until deeply browned on all sides, about 6-7 minutes. Reduce heat to medium, add the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes, and sauté for 60 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the marinara sauce, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors. Add the drained pasta to the skillet along with a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously for 1-2 minutes until the pasta is perfectly coated and the sauce clings to it. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty pasta dish is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple side salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette and a slice of crusty garlic bread for soaking up extra sauce. For a lighter touch, serve with steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus. A medium-bodied red wine like a Chianti or Sangiovese complements the rich sausage and tomato flavors perfectly.
How-to Summary
In summary, this dish comes together in three key stages: 1) Cook the pasta in salted water. 2) Brown Italian sausage in a skillet, then build the sauce with garlic and marinara. 3) Combine the pasta and sauce, tossing with reserved pasta water to create a cohesive, restaurant-quality dish. Finish with Parmesan and fresh basil.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely. Penne, rigatoni, or fusilli are excellent substitutes that hold sauce well.
What if I can’t find Italian sausage? You can use ground beef, turkey, or pork. Simply season it with fennel seeds, garlic powder, and Italian herbs to mimic the classic flavor.
How can I make this dish spicier? Increase the red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. You can also use hot Italian sausage.
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, but store the sauce and pasta separately. Reheat the sauce gently, then combine with freshly cooked or reheated pasta and a little water to loosen it up.
Is there a way to add more vegetables? Sauté 1 cup of diced bell peppers or sliced mushrooms with the sausage. Spinach can be stirred in at the end until just wilted.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the pasta: Cook only to al dente, as it will continue to soften when tossed with the hot sauce.
- Skipping the pasta water: The starchy water is crucial for helping the sauce adhere to the pasta and creating a silky texture.
- Crowding the skillet: Browning the sausage in a single layer ensures proper caramelization instead of steaming.
- Adding raw garlic too early: Adding it after the sausage is browned prevents it from burning and becoming bitter.
Conclusion
This Rotini Pasta with Italian Sausage is the quintessential quick and satisfying weeknight dinner. It delivers robust, comforting flavors with minimal effort and maximum payoff. By following the detailed steps and tips provided, you can easily master this classic dish and customize it to your taste. It’s a reliable recipe that promises a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal every time.