Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Chicken Alfredo Olive Garden: craving that creamy, comforting pasta dish but don’t want to leave the house? I get it! There’s something undeniably satisfying about Olive Garden’s Chicken Alfredo, and today, I’m thrilled to share a recipe that brings that iconic flavor right to your kitchen. Forget waiting for a table; you can whip up a restaurant-quality meal in less time than it takes to drive there!

Alfredo sauce, with its rich and decadent blend of butter, Parmesan cheese, and cream, has a surprisingly elegant history. It originated in Rome in the early 20th century, created by Alfredo di Lelio, who wanted to create a dish that would entice his wife to eat after she had given birth. It quickly became a favorite among locals and tourists alike, eventually making its way across the Atlantic and evolving into the beloved dish we know today.

What makes Chicken Alfredo Olive Garden so irresistible? It’s the perfect marriage of textures and flavors. The tender, juicy chicken, the perfectly cooked pasta, and that luxuriously smooth and cheesy sauce – it’s a symphony of comfort food. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, or even swap out the chicken for shrimp. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a special occasion, this recipe for Chicken Alfredo Olive Garden is sure to be a hit!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Italian sausage (hot or mild, your preference), casings removed
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or more, to taste)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for richness)
• 1 pound pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Sausage and Vegetables:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the Italian sausage. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks, browning it evenly. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. You want to get a nice color on the sausage, as that adds a lot of flavor to the sauce. Don’t be afraid to let it get a little crispy!
2. Once the sausage is browned, remove it from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set it aside in a bowl. Leave the rendered fat in the skillet – this is where a lot of the flavor is! If there’s an excessive amount of fat (more than a couple of tablespoons), you can drain some off, but don’t get rid of it all.
3. Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. You want them to be tender, but not browned. If the vegetables start to stick to the bottom of the skillet, add a tablespoon or two of water or chicken broth to deglaze the pan. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom – those are packed with flavor!
4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. Stir constantly to prevent burning. The aroma of garlic cooking is one of my favorite things!

Making the Spicy Tomato Sauce:

1. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste into the skillet with the vegetables. Stir well to combine everything. The tomato paste will help to thicken the sauce and add a rich, concentrated tomato flavor.
2. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and salt to the sauce. Stir to incorporate the spices. The red pepper flakes are what give this pasta its spicy kick, so adjust the amount to your liking. If you’re not a fan of spice, you can omit them altogether.
3. Pour in the chicken broth. This will help to thin out the sauce and add some depth of flavor. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. After the sauce has simmered for at least 30 minutes, return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Stir to combine and let it simmer for another 10-15 minutes, allowing the sausage to infuse its flavor into the sauce.
5. If you’re using heavy cream, stir it in during the last 5 minutes of simmering. The heavy cream will add a richness and creaminess to the sauce, but it’s completely optional. If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can skip it.
6. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. This will add a salty, nutty flavor to the sauce and help to thicken it slightly.
7. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to suit your taste. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!

Cooking the Pasta:

1. While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to the package directions. Be sure to salt the pasta water generously – this is your only chance to season the pasta itself. I usually add about a tablespoon of salt per gallon of water.
2. Cook the pasta until it is al dente, which means “to the tooth” in Italian. It should be firm to the bite, not mushy. Overcooked pasta is never a good thing!
3. Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water. This starchy water is liquid gold! It can be used to thin out the sauce and help it cling to the pasta.
4. Drain the pasta in a colander. Do not rinse it! Rinsing the pasta will remove the starch that helps the sauce adhere to it.

Combining the Pasta and Sauce:

1. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
2. Serve immediately. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes is also a nice touch for those who like a little extra heat.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spiciness of the dish. For a milder flavor, use mild Italian sausage and reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. For a spicier dish, use hot Italian sausage and add more red pepper flakes. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the sauce, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. Add them along with the onion and bell pepper.
• Meat: You can substitute ground beef, ground turkey, or even chicken for the Italian sausage. Just be sure to brown the meat thoroughly before adding the vegetables.
• Cheese: Instead of Parmesan cheese, you can use Pecorino Romano cheese, which has a sharper, saltier flavor. You can also add a dollop of ricotta cheese to each serving for extra creaminess.
• Wine: For a richer flavor, add 1/2 cup of dry red wine to the sauce after cooking the vegetables. Let the wine simmer for a few minutes to reduce slightly before adding the tomatoes.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs, such as parsley or oregano, can be used in place of dried herbs. Use about 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs for every teaspoon of dried herbs.
• Make Ahead: The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the sauce before adding the pasta.
• Freezing: The sauce can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw the sauce overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with a side of garlic bread or crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
• A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a perfect accompaniment to this pasta dish.
• Pair with a glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot.

Enjoy!

This Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. I hope you enjoy making and eating it as much as I do!

Conclusion:

This Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! From the rich, savory sausage to the perfectly al dente pasta, every bite is a testament to simple ingredients transformed into something truly special. I know, I know, there are a million pasta recipes out there, but trust me on this one – the depth of flavor you get from browning the sausage just right, deglazing the pan with a touch of wine, and letting the sauce simmer to perfection is simply unmatched. It’s the kind of dish that will have your family asking for seconds (and maybe even thirds!).

But what truly makes this recipe a must-try is its versatility. Feel free to get creative and adapt it to your own tastes. For a milder version, use sweet Italian sausage instead of spicy. If you’re a veggie lover, toss in some sautéed bell peppers, onions, or zucchini for added texture and nutrients. A handful of fresh spinach stirred in at the end adds a vibrant pop of color and even more goodness.

Looking for serving suggestions? This pasta is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a simple side salad and some crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese is, of course, a must! For a more substantial meal, consider adding a dollop of ricotta cheese on top before serving. And if you happen to have any leftovers (though I highly doubt you will!), they’re just as delicious the next day.

Beyond the basic recipe, there are so many ways to make this dish your own. Try using different types of pasta – penne, rigatoni, or even farfalle would work wonderfully. Experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor profile. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds an extra kick, while a dash of smoked paprika lends a smoky depth. Don’t be afraid to play around and see what you come up with!

I truly believe that this Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying – perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekend dinners. It’s also a great dish to make for company, as it’s sure to impress even the most discerning palates.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, put on some music, and get cooking! I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. And when you do try it, please, please, please come back and let me know what you think! Share your photos, your variations, and your experiences in the comments below. I can’t wait to hear all about your culinary adventures. Happy cooking! I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do, and I’m excited to see what delicious creations you come up with! Don’t forget to tag me in your photos on social media – I love seeing your versions of my recipes!