Creamy Tomato Basil Sausage Penne – Comfort in a Bowl

Hi there, food lover! 👋 Ready to wrap yourself in the coziest kind of comfort? Today’s dish brings together everything we adore about homestyle cooking — warmth, nostalgia, and rich flavors that taste like a hug in every bite. Creamy Tomato Basil Sausage Penne – Comfort in a Bowl is the kind of meal that feels timeless, like something simmering away in a traditional kitchen on a slow evening, filling the air with the scent of tomatoes, herbs, and sizzling sausage. 🍅🌿

There’s an old-world charm to pasta cooked in a creamy tomato sauce, especially when paired with hearty sausage and fresh basil. The ingredients are simple, but when brought together, the result is magical — velvety sauce, tender pasta, and savory bites of sausage that melt into the dish. This recipe honors traditional roots while keeping things wonderfully easy and approachable for the modern cook.

Whether you’re coming home after a long day, cooking for your family, or just craving something soul-soothing, this pasta bowl delivers every time. Tossed in a luscious tomato cream sauce, infused with garlic, and finished with bright basil, it’s the perfect balance of rustic, rich, and refreshing. ❤️

Ready to bring some heartwarming Italian-inspired comfort to your table? Let’s get cooking! 🍽️✨

Ingredients:

For the pasta

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh finishing touches

• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, sliced
• Extra Parmesan for serving

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add penne, and cook until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
2. Brown the sausage. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it into crumbles. Cook until browned and fully cooked.
3. Add aromatics. Stir in onion and cook until soft. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
4. Build the sauce. Pour in crushed tomatoes, dried basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Make it creamy. Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Combine. Add the cooked penne and toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
7. Finish with freshness. Stir in fresh basil just before serving.
8. Plate and enjoy! Serve warm with extra Parmesan and more basil on top.

Nutritional Information:

⏰ Prep Time: 10 minutes | 🔥 Cook Time: 25 minutes | ⏳ Total Time: 35 minutes
⚡ Calories per serving: Approx. 520 | 🍽️ Servings: 4

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Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩🍳🍽️