This Italian Sausage Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes is a game-changer for your weeknight dinner rotation. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a restaurant-worthy meal bursting with savory Italian sausage, sweet cherry tomatoes, and tender summer squash, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and fresh herbs. The combination of flavors creates a light yet satisfying dish that’s impressive enough for guests but simple enough for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Satisfying: From start to finish, this dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for those evenings when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Balanced Flavors: The savory Italian sausage pairs beautifully with sweet cherry tomatoes and tender squash, creating a harmonious blend of flavors in every bite.
- One-Pan Wonder: The sausage and vegetables cook in the same pan, building layers of flavor while minimizing cleanup.
- Versatile: This recipe works with whatever pasta shape you have on hand and can be easily adjusted based on what vegetables are in season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Pasta: Any medium-sized pasta works beautifully here. Cavatappi, penne, or fusilli are excellent choices as they catch all that delicious sauce in their nooks and crannies.
- Italian Sausage Links: The star of the show! They provide incredible flavor without needing additional seasoning. Use mild or hot Italian sausage depending on your spice preference.
- Cherry Tomatoes: These little gems burst with sweet, concentrated flavor when cooked. They create a natural light sauce when they release their juices.
- Yellow Summer Squash: Adds a subtle sweetness and tender texture. It soaks up the flavors of the sausage and broth beautifully.
- Beef Broth: Creates a light but flavorful sauce base that ties everything together. The better quality your broth, the better your final dish will taste.
- Fresh Basil: Brings a bright, aromatic quality that elevates the entire dish. Don’t even think about substituting dried basil here – fresh is essential!
- Green Onions: Adds a mild onion flavor and beautiful color contrast.
- Olive Oil: Use a good quality olive oil to coat the pasta and prevent sticking, plus a bit for searing the sausage.
- Salt: Seasons both the pasta water and the final dish to perfection.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Variations
Different Protein Options
Swap the Italian sausage for chicken sausage for a lighter option, or use crumbled ground turkey seasoned with Italian herbs and red pepper flakes.
Vegetable Swaps
No summer squash? Try zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant instead. In fall, butternut squash cubes would make a delicious seasonal twist.
Pasta Alternatives
For a heartier dish, use cheese tortellini instead of regular pasta. For a lighter option, try whole wheat pasta or even a good-quality gluten-free pasta.
Creamy Version
Add 1/4 cup of heavy cream or a dollop of mascarpone cheese at the end for a luxurious creamy sauce.
How to Make Italian Sausage Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a medium pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, return to the pot, toss with olive oil to prevent sticking, and cover to keep warm.
Step 2: Prepare and Sear the Sausage
Slice Italian sausage links into coins (don’t worry if they’re not perfect). Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a touch of oil, and arrange the sausage coins with space between them. Sear for 3-4 minutes until beautifully browned, then flip and cook another 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Create the Base Sauce
Pour beef broth into the pan with the sausage, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Cover and simmer on medium heat for 5 minutes to allow the sausage to finish cooking and flavor the broth.
Step 4: Add Vegetables and Herbs
Add the diced yellow squash, cherry tomatoes (some halved, some whole for texture contrast), and half the fresh basil. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to medium. Cook for 5 minutes until the squash is tender but not mushy.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Stir in the green onions and turn off the heat. Serve the sausage and vegetable mixture over the prepared pasta, making sure to spoon plenty of the flavorful broth over each portion. Garnish with remaining fresh basil and optional Parmesan cheese.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Sausage Slicing Technique: Use a sharp, non-serrated knife and slice in one confident motion for clean cuts. If slicing is difficult, you can always remove the casing and cook the sausage crumbled.
- Proper Searing: Don’t crowd the pan when searing the sausage. Those golden-brown edges are where the magic happens flavor-wise.
- Pasta Water: Save some pasta water before draining! If your final dish needs a bit more liquid, this starchy water is perfect for loosening things up.
- Cherry Tomato Strategy: Leave some cherry tomatoes whole and slice others – the whole ones will burst while cooking, creating pockets of sweet juice throughout the dish.
- Fresh Herbs Matter: Add half the basil during cooking and save the rest for serving to get both cooked-in flavor and fresh brightness.
How to Serve
Perfect Pairings
This pasta dish shines with a simple side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. For something heartier, serve with garlic bread to soak up that delicious broth.
Wine Suggestion
A medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Montepulciano d’Abruzzo complements the savory sausage perfectly.
Serving Style
Serve in wide, shallow bowls to showcase the colorful ingredients and contain the flavorful broth. Make sure each serving gets a good mix of pasta, sausage, and vegetables.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop and improve overnight!
Freezing
While you can freeze this dish, the pasta and vegetables may soften when thawed. If planning to freeze, consider slightly undercooking the pasta and vegetables. Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce. Cover while reheating to keep moisture in. Alternatively, microwave at 70% power, stirring halfway through.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage provides classic flavors, you can experiment with chorizo for a Spanish twist, chicken sausage for a lighter option, or even a good vegetarian sausage. Each will bring its own character to the dish, so adjust other seasonings accordingly.
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My family doesn’t like spicy food. How can I adjust this recipe?
Simply use mild Italian sausage instead of hot, and you’ll still get all the wonderful flavors without the heat. You can also add a pinch of sugar to the sauce if you find the tomatoes have any acidity that bothers sensitive palates.
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Can I make this dish ahead for a dinner party?
Yes! In fact, the flavors develop beautifully when made a day ahead. Prepare everything except the pasta, then reheat the sausage and vegetable mixture gently before serving. Cook fresh pasta right before guests arrive for the best texture and toss everything together just before serving.
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What’s the best way to know when pasta is perfectly al dente?
Start testing about 2 minutes before the package directions suggest. Perfect al dente pasta should offer slight resistance when bitten into—not hard in the center, but not completely soft either. Remember that pasta continues cooking slightly after draining, so it’s better to err on the firmer side.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Sausage Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes brings the vibrant flavors of an Italian kitchen to your dinner table with minimal effort. The combination of juicy sausage, sweet tomatoes, and fresh herbs creates a dish that’s simultaneously comforting and light. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or entertaining friends, this 30-minute wonder proves that truly delicious food doesn’t need to be complicated. Give it a try tonight—I promise your kitchen will smell amazing and your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Italian Sausage Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Italian Sausage Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes combines tender pasta, flavorful crispy sausage, and fresh vegetables in a rich broth. It’s a quick, easy, and hearty dish perfect for busy weeknights. Garnished with fresh basil, this comforting meal is packed with flavor and perfect for the whole family to enjoy!
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- Water
- 1/2 tablespoon salt
- 3 cups pasta (about 9 ounces, any kind – cavatappi recommended)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sausages
- 1 pound Italian sausage links
- 1–2 teaspoons oil
For the Sauce and Vegetables
- 1 cup good quality beef broth (or 1 teaspoon Better Than Beef Base + 1 cup water)
- 2 medium yellow summer squash
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (divided in half)
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
Garnish
- Additional fresh basil
- Fresh Parmesan (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Add 1/2 tablespoon salt, ensuring the water tastes like the ocean. Stir in the pasta and cook until al dente, following package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Stir in 2 tablespoons olive oil to prevent sticking and keep the pasta warm by covering it with a lid. - Prepare the Sausage
Slice the sausage into thick coins. The slicing can be delicate as sausage may spill out of its casing, but a sharp non-serrated knife works best for precise cuts. This method gives the sausage wonderfully crispy edges when cooked. - Cook the Sausage
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1-2 teaspoons of oil, just enough to coat the pan’s surface. Place the sausage coins into the pan in a single layer, ensuring there’s space between each piece. Sear for 3-4 minutes until browned on one side, then flip with tongs and cook for another 2-3 minutes until evenly browned on both sides. - Add the Broth
Pour 1 cup of beef broth (or substitute using Better Than Beef Base) into the skillet. Stir and cover the skillet with a lid. Reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for 5 minutes. - Prepare the Vegetables
While the sausage cooks, slice the summer squash lengthwise and dice into half-rounds. Slice half the cherry tomatoes in half (leaving some whole for added texture). Chop 1/4 cup of fresh basil and add half of it to the pasta set aside earlier. - Add Vegetables to the Sausage
Add the squash, cherry tomatoes, and remaining basil to the skillet with the sausage. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, cover with the lid, reduce the heat to medium, and cook for 5 minutes. - Finish the Dish
Remove the skillet lid and stir in the chopped green onions. Turn off the heat. To serve, spoon the sausage and vegetable mixture over shallow bowls of pasta, ensuring plenty of broth is included. Garnish with fresh basil and optional Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- If you prefer, you can skip slicing the sausage and cook and crumble it instead. Both methods deliver delicious results!
- Opt for high-quality Italian sausage to enhance the overall flavor, especially if it’s seasoned with fennel or garlic.
- This dish is easily customizable – try substituting yellow squash for zucchini or use different herbs for garnish like parsley.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 450kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 58mg
