If you’re craving a dish that bursts with flavor, vibrant colors, and hearty satisfaction, this Sausage and Vegetable Pasta Recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food. Combining savory Italian sausage with fresh vegetables and tender pasta, it’s a perfect harmony of textures and tastes that come together quickly and effortlessly. Every bite delivers a delightful punch from garlic and herbs, while the spinach and bell pepper bring freshness and a lovely pop of color. Trust me, once you try this, it’s going to be a staple on your table, showing you just how delicious simple ingredients can be when combined with a little enthusiasm in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients makes all the difference, and this Sausage and Vegetable Pasta Recipe uses simple essentials that pack a flavorful punch. Each item plays a crucial role, from the spicy sausage to the juicy tomatoes and bright spinach, creating a symphony of tastes and satisfying textures.
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta: Choose your favorite shape; it forms the perfect base that soaks up all the delicious sauce.
- 16 ounces Italian sausage: Adds rich, savory depth and a bit of spice that defines the dish’s character.
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped): Provides a sweet and aromatic foundation to every bite.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Delivers that unmistakable punch of flavor everyone loves.
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant mix of herbs that ties the whole recipe together beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a subtle heat to excite your taste buds without overpowering the dish.
- 1/2 cup dry white wine: For a bright acidity that lifts and blends all the flavors seamlessly.
- 1 cup little tomatoes (grape, cherry, etc.) (halved): Burst of sweetness and juiciness that lightens and refreshes the pasta.
- 1 medium red bell pepper (sliced): Adds crunch, sweetness, and vibrant color to brighten up the plate.
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach (packed): Offers a tender, leafy green freshness and nutrition.
- 1 handful fresh basil (torn): Infuses the dish with fragrant herbal notes and a hint of summer garden goodness.
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional): A salty finishing touch that melts perfectly over the warm pasta.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential for bringing out the true flavors of every ingredient.
How to Make Sausage and Vegetable Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta to Perfection
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cooking your pasta al dente is key here because it will soak up the sauce better and give you that perfect bite—never mushy. Follow the package directions, and drain it when ready, but hold onto a cup of the pasta water; it can come in handy later!
Step 2: Brown the Sausage and Onion
While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add your Italian sausage and chopped onion. As they brown, use a spoon or spatula to break the sausage into bite-sized pieces. This browning step builds a rich, savory foundation for the whole dish. Once browned and fragrant, transfer the mixture to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess fat.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic, Herbs, and Veggies with Wine
Turn the heat down to medium and add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), white wine, tomatoes, and sliced red bell pepper to the skillet. Let the wine gently simmer and the tomatoes soften until they’re losing their shape, and the peppers turn tender-crisp. This creates a beautiful sauce with brightness from the wine and sweetness from the veggies. Keep an eye on the pan so it doesn’t dry out; add a splash more wine or some reserved pasta water if needed.
Step 4: Combine Sausage, Spinach, and Basil
Now, bring back the browned sausage and onions into the skillet. Toss in the fresh baby spinach and torn basil leaves, stirring until the spinach wilts and everything melds into a vibrant, fragrant mixture. This step adds a fresh garden touch that balances the richness of the sausage.
Step 5: Toss Pasta and Season
Add the drained pasta straight into the skillet and toss everything together, ensuring the noodles are coated with the sauce and vegetables. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to bring all the flavors forward. Serve immediately, offering freshly grated parmesan cheese on top for that classic Italian finish.
How to Serve Sausage and Vegetable Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your pasta further, sprinkle with extra fresh basil leaves or a light drizzle of good quality olive oil. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can add a little kick, and of course, a generous mound of freshly grated parmesan cheese brings the whole dish to life with its salty, nutty charm.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty recipe with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a basket of warm, crusty garlic bread. These sides add freshness and texture contrast, making your meal balanced and thoroughly satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, serve the Sausage and Vegetable Pasta Recipe family-style in a large rustic bowl to encourage sharing and conversation. Or, plate individual servings artistically, topping each with basil and parmesan for a restaurant-quality look right at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This pasta keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the sauce from drying out.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze leftovers in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Just be aware that fresh vegetables like spinach may lose some texture upon thawing, but the flavors will still be fantastic.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce. Avoid the microwave for reheating if you want to keep that fresh, just-made texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While any pasta shape works, short shapes like penne or rigatoni hold up well with the chunky vegetables and sausage. Feel free to use whatever you have on hand.
Is it necessary to use white wine in this recipe?
White wine adds acidity and a lovely depth to the sauce, but if you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute with chicken broth or extra pasta water for a similar effect.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Sure thing! Swap out the Italian sausage for plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms for a hearty, meat-free twist that still packs plenty of flavor.
How spicy is this recipe?
The crushed red pepper flakes are optional and add just a gentle heat if you include them. You can adjust or omit based on your tolerance for spice.
What type of Italian sausage should I use?
Sweet or hot Italian sausage both work beautifully here—it comes down to your personal preference. Mild sausage will let the vegetables shine more, while hot sausage adds that spicy kick.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage and Vegetable Pasta Recipe is truly one of those dishes that brings people together around the table with its bold flavors and approachable ingredients. It’s quick enough for weeknights but special enough to impress guests, making it a versatile favorite. I invite you to give it a try—you might just find yourself reaching for it again and again because it simply feels like a warm, delicious hug from the inside out.
Print
Sausage and Vegetable Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A hearty and flavorful sausage and vegetable pasta dish combining savory Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and a light white wine sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and finished with fresh basil and parmesan cheese for a comforting, easy-to-make meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta
Sausage and Vegetables
- 16 ounces Italian sausage
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 cup little tomatoes (grape, cherry, etc.), halved
- 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cups packed fresh baby spinach
- 1 handful fresh basil, torn
Finishing Ingredients
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional, to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta al dente according to the package directions, then drain and set aside.
- Brown Sausage and Onions: While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add Italian sausage and chopped onion, cooking until the sausage is browned and onions are softened, breaking the sausage into pieces as it cooks, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer the browned sausage and onions to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
- Sauté Vegetables: Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), white wine, halved tomatoes, and sliced red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until the tomatoes soften and lose their shape and the peppers become tender-crisp, about 5-6 minutes, adding additional white wine or reserved pasta water as needed to keep the pan from drying out.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked sausage and onions to the skillet with the vegetables. Add fresh baby spinach and torn basil leaves, tossing everything together until the spinach wilts down and flavors blend evenly.
- Toss with Pasta and Serve: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to combine thoroughly with the sausage and vegetable mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, optionally topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
- If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, substitute the white wine with chicken broth or vegetable broth.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free if needed.
- Fresh herbs add brightness; if unavailable, substitute with dried basil but add it earlier with the seasoning.
- Reserve some pasta cooking water to adjust sauce consistency as needed during cooking.
