1. Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta of your choice (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti) and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically around 8-10 minutes for most pasta types.

Be sure to stir the pasta occasionally to prevent it from sticking together. Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining. The starchy water can be used later to help thicken the sauce if needed.

Drain the pasta and set it aside. You can toss the pasta with a small drizzle of olive oil to keep it from sticking while you prepare the sauce.

2. Cook the Sausage

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the spicy Italian sausage (make sure it’s removed from its casing if necessary). Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break up the sausage as it cooks. Brown the sausage for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly and becomes nicely browned.

Once the sausage is cooked through and browned, use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a plate and set aside. Leave the rendered fat in the pan to add flavor to the sauce.

3. Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the onions become soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning the garlic.

Once the garlic is fragrant, you’re ready to build the sauce.

4. Prepare the Sauce

To the skillet, add the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir the mixture to combine, then add the chicken broth, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a simmer and allow it to cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you want extra heat). The red pepper flakes will enhance the spiciness of the dish, but feel free to leave them out if you prefer a milder flavor.

5. Add the Sausage Back to the Sauce

Once the sauce has thickened and is well-seasoned, add the cooked sausage back into the skillet. Stir to incorporate the sausage into the sauce, allowing it to heat through for an additional 2-3 minutes. This will ensure the sausage is coated in the flavorful tomato sauce and fully warmed.

6. Combine the Pasta with the Sauce

Now, add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce and sausage. Toss the pasta gently to coat it in the sauce, ensuring each piece of pasta is well-covered. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up and achieve a creamier consistency.

Continue to toss until the pasta and sausage are evenly mixed, and the sauce has enveloped the pasta perfectly.

7. Serve and Garnish

Once the pasta is well coated, serve it in individual bowls or plates. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil for added color and flavor. You can also add extra red pepper flakes if you like your pasta on the spicier side.

Serve the dish immediately while the pasta and sauce are still warm and creamy. The heat from the spicy sausage paired with the creamy sauce makes this dish a comforting and flavorful meal.