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.

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.

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.

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.

Italian Sausage Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe

Name: Italian Sausage Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: Water; 1/2 tablespoon salt; 3 cups pasta (about 9 ounces, any kind – cavatappi recommended); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 pound Italian sausage links; 1-2 teaspoons oil; 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; Additional fresh basil; Fresh Parmesan (optional)

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

Units Scale

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)

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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