Creamy Marry Me Beef Sausage Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes (Print Version)
Creamy Marry Me Beef Sausage Pasta is an easy, flavorful dinner. Rich beef sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach in a luscious sauce. A weeknight favorite!
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Italian
# Ingredients:
→ The Hearty Foundation
01 -
1 tbsp olive oil
02 -
3/4 lb mild beef sausage, casings removed
03 -
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
04 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
→ The Velvety Embrace
05 -
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
06 -
1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
07 -
3/4 cup heavy cream
08 -
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
09 -
1/2 cup chicken broth
10 -
1 tsp dried oregano
11 -
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
→ The Perfect Union
12 -
3/4 lb rigatoni pasta
13 -
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped, for garnish
14 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
# Instructions:
01 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the 3/4 lb rigatoni pasta. While the water heats, finely dice 1 medium yellow onion, mince 4 cloves garlic, chop 1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, and chop 1/4 cup fresh basil.
02 -
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 3/4 lb mild beef sausage, casings removed. Break it up with a spoon and cook until thoroughly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
03 -
Reduce heat to medium. Add the diced 1 medium yellow onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the minced 4 cloves garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
04 -
Pour in 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes, 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld for your Marry Me Beef Sausage Pasta.
05 -
While the sauce simmers, add the 3/4 lb rigatoni pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. This will help achieve the perfect consistency for your Marry Me Beef Sausage Pasta.
06 -
Stir 3/4 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and the chopped 1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes into the simmering sauce. Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce is heated through and slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
07 -
Add the drained rigatoni pasta directly to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat every piece of pasta. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash or two of the reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached. Garnish your Marry Me Beef Sausage Pasta with 1/4 cup fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese before serving.
# Notes:
01 -
For an extra layer of flavor, consider using spicy Italian beef sausage instead of mild, adjusting the red pepper flakes to your preference.
02 -
Leftover Marry Me Beef Sausage Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed.
03 -
Don't skip reserving pasta water! It's a secret weapon for achieving a silky, cohesive sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.
04 -
Feel free to add a handful of fresh spinach or chopped bell peppers along with the onion for added vegetables and color.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large pot
02 -
Large skillet
03 -
Cutting board
04 -
Chef's knife
05 -
Measuring cups
06 -
Measuring spoons
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 920 kcal
Total Fat: 50 g
Total Carbohydrate: 80 g
Protein: 35 g