Sausage Pasta | Easy Tomato Sausage Pasta with Herbs & Parmesan
This is such a quick and simple dinner that the whole family will enjoy — perfect for a midweek meal. Sausage pasta is one of those brilliant, no‑fuss dishes that always hits the spot. Juicy sausages are cooked down with onions, garlic and a rich, savoury sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta, making every bite comforting and full of flavour.
It’s simple, hearty and ideal for busy weeknights, but tasty enough to feel like a proper treat — the kind of bowlful that warms you up, fills you up and leaves everyone wanting seconds.
Serving Suggestions for Sausage Pasta
- Crusty bread or buttered baguette to mop up the sauce
- Garlic bread — classic, crisp, perfect for scooping up sauce
- Cheesy garlic bread for something more indulgent
- Green salad with a sharp lemon or balsamic dressing
- Rocket salad with parmesan and lemon
- Tomato & mozzarella salad for freshness
- Roasted tenderstem broccoli with lemon and black pepper
- Green beans with garlic butter or toasted almonds
- Peas — stirred through the pasta or served on the side
- Roasted cherry tomatoes for sweetness and acidity
- Roasted peppers with balsamic
- Sautéed mushrooms with thyme
- Garlic roasted new potatoes if you want extra carbs
Variations: Sausage Pasta
- Creamy Sausage Pasta — stir in cream or crème fraîche for a richer, silkier sauce.
- Garlic‑Rich Sausage Pasta — increase garlic for deeper savoury warmth.
- Herby Sausage Pasta — boost basil, oregano or parsley for fragrant Italian freshness.
- Spicy Sausage Pasta — add chilli flakes or use spicy sausages for a punchier finish.
- Sausage Pasta with Peppers — add sliced peppers for sweetness and colour that lift the sauce.
- Sausage Pasta with Spinach — wilt spinach into the sauce for colour and a soft, silky texture.
- Sausage Pasta with Mushrooms — include mushrooms for earthy richness that thickens the sauce.
- Sausage Pasta with Courgette — add courgette for moisture and a lighter, summery twist.
- Sausage Pasta with Sweetcorn — stir in sweetcorn for pops of sweetness that brighten the dish.
- Sausage Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes — add fresh tomatoes for juicy bursts that balance the richness.
- Sausage Pasta with Mozzarella — melt mozzarella on top for a creamy, indulgent finish.
- Sausage Pasta with Parmesan — add Parmesan for salty depth and extra umami.
- Sausage Pasta with Basil Pesto — swirl in pesto for herby richness and a quick flavour boost.
- Sausage Pasta with White Wine — add a splash of white wine for acidity that sharpens the sauce.
- Sausage Pasta Bake — top with cheese and bake for a bubbly, golden, family‑friendly version.
Sausage pasta
Sausage pasta with tender sausage pieces in a rich, creamy tomato sauce, coating the pasta beautifully to create a warm, comforting bowl that looks hearty, glossy and satisfying.
Equipment
- Lidded frying pan
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 pork sausages, thickly sliced
- ½ tsp garlic paste
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp dried chilli flakes (add a little more if you want a kick)
- 400 g passata
- 500 ml chicken stock
- 200 g dried pasta (penne, shells, twisted – any work)
- pinch of salt and pepper
- 2 tbsp soft cream cheese
- 2 tbsp parmesan
- basil
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a non-stick lidded pan then add the sausages and fry until browned all over.
- Add the garlic, paprika and chilli flakes and cook for a further 2mins.
- Add the passata and stock and gently bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the pasta and add a pinch of salt and pepper, cover and gently simmer for around 15mins until the pasta is cooked, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the cheese and basil and leave for a few mins.
- Serve with extra cheese sprinkled on top, green salad and maybe some warm French bread.