# Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta

> A flavorful and creamy pasta dish with spicy Italian sausage, tomatoes, and parmesan cheese in a white wine cream sauce.

**Prep time:** 5 mins
**Cook time:** 20 mins
**Total time:** 25 mins
**Servings:** 4

**Course:** Dinner
**Rating:** 5 from 9 votes

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## Ingredients

- 8 oz rigatoni pasta, or your favorite pasta shape
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 lb spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 5 cloves garlic, sliced or minced
- 2 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 cup dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 14.5 oz can fire roasted diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

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## Shopping List

### Meat & Poultry
- [ ] 1/2 lb spicy Italian sausage

### Produce
- [ ] 5 cloves garlic

### Dairy
- [ ] 2 tablespoons butter
- [ ] 1/2 cup heavy cream
- [ ] 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)

### Pantry
- [ ] 8 oz rigatoni pasta (or your favorite pasta shape)
- [ ] 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- [ ] 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- [ ] 1 (14.5 oz) can fire roasted diced tomatoes
- [ ] 1 cup dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc)

### Spices
- [ ] Dried basil (need 2 tsp)
- [ ] Crushed red pepper flakes (need 1/4 tsp)
- [ ] Salt (to taste)
- [ ] Black pepper (to taste)

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## Instructions

1. **Boil pasta.** Boil your pasta in salted water according to package directions for al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water for the sauce before draining.

2. **Make the sauce base.** While pasta cooks, make the sauce. In a large deep sauce pan over medium heat, heat olive oil and butter, until butter is fully melted.

3. **Cook the sausage.** Add the sausage to the pan, and season with salt and pepper. Cook, breaking up as you go, until browned, 5-6 minutes.

4. **Add garlic.** Add the garlic and cook until just fragrant, 1 minute.

5. **Add tomato paste and spices.** Add tomato paste, dried basil and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring occasionally for 2-3 minutes, until color deepens.

6. **Deglaze with wine.** Deglaze pan with wine, and cook, stirring for 4-5 minutes until wine is mostly evaporated.

7. **Add tomatoes and cream.** Add the diced tomatoes, and cream, and simmer for 5-6 minutes until sauce is slightly thickened.

8. **Combine with pasta.** Add the cooked pasta, reserved pasta water and parmesan cheese, and toss to combine. Cook 2-3 minutes more until thick and glossy.

9. **Serve.** Serve with fresh chopped basil, and additional grated parmesan.

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## Notes

- Can substitute any pasta shape for rigatoni
- Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for desired spice level
- Fresh basil for garnish adds great flavor