Pasta Rosa With Sausage

Pasta Rosa with Sausage is a rich and comforting dish that combines the savory flavors of Italian sausage with a creamy, tomato-based sauce. The “rosa” sauce, which means pink in Italian, is created by blending marinara sauce with cream, resulting in a luscious, velvety texture that perfectly coats the pasta. The spicy or mild sausage adds depth to the dish, while the sauce provides a delightful balance of tangy tomatoes and creamy goodness. It’s an easy, satisfying meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners but elegant enough to serve at a dinner party.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your choice)
• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the sausage: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the onions and garlic: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
4. Make the sauce: Add the diced tomatoes and marinara sauce to the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Combine the sausage and pasta: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir to combine with the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the sauce.
6. Finish and serve: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

This Pasta Rosa with Sausage is a creamy, flavorful dish that’s sure to be a hit, offering a delightful combination of spicy sausage and rich, velvety sauce. Perfect for a cozy meal!