Creamy Red Wine Sausage Pasta (Print Version)

Rich and flavorful one-pot pasta featuring sausage, tomatoes, and a creamy red wine sauce.

# Components:

→ Meats

01 - 14 oz Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

02 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
05 - 14 oz canned chopped tomatoes

→ Pasta

06 - 10 oz short pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)

→ Liquids

07 - 1/2 cup dry red wine
08 - 3 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth

→ Dairy

09 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
10 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

→ Seasonings

11 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce
12 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
13 - 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
14 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
15 - Salt, to taste

→ Garnish

16 - Fresh basil or parsley, chopped

# Directions:

01 - Heat a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
02 - Add the chopped onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables have softened.
03 - Pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
04 - Stir in the canned tomatoes, chicken broth, soy sauce, oregano, chili flakes if using, and black pepper.
05 - Add the uncooked pasta to the pot, ensuring it is mostly submerged in the liquid. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
06 - Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook uncovered for another 2-3 minutes, until the sauce is creamy and coats the pasta.
07 - Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's genuinely a one-pot meal, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor since everything builds on itself.
  • The soy sauce adds an unexpected umami depth that makes people ask what your secret ingredient is.
  • Creamy, comforting, and ready in 40 minutes flat, perfect for when you want restaurant quality without the stress.
02 -
  • Don't walk away while the pasta is cooking; it needs occasional stirring to prevent sticking and to make sure it cooks evenly in the liquid.
  • The pasta will continue to absorb liquid even after you've turned off the heat, so it's better to slightly undercook it and let carryover cooking finish the job.
03 -
  • Use a pot with a heavy bottom so the heat distributes evenly and nothing scorches while the pasta cooks.
  • Save a cup of pasta water before draining if you ever make this again; it's liquid gold for adjusting the sauce consistency at the very end.
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