Creamy Tomato Basil Penne with Turkey Sausage
This Creamy Tomato Basil Penne with Turkey Sausage is SO EASY! A rich, velvety tomato cream sauce with savory turkey sausage makes every bite utterly satisfying.
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large Skillet or Sauté Pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Colander
- Grater
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing the sausage and garlic
- 1 pound turkey sausage casings removed
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes 1 can
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 8 ounces of penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta using a colander and set aside. Reserve a cup of pasta water to loosen the sauce later if needed.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the turkey sausage (with casings removed) and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer the cooked sausage to a plate and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, making sure it doesn’t burn.
- Pour in the 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes. Stir in 1 teaspoon dried basil, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer gently for 10 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. Return the cooked turkey sausage to the skillet and mix everything until combined. Sprinkle in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy. If the sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to reach your preferred consistency.
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss until every piece is well coated in the luscious, creamy tomato basil sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and fresh herbal aroma. Pair with a crisp salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing garlic for subtle heat.
- Fresh basil is best added at the end to preserve its bright color and aroma.
- Reserve pasta water before draining; it helps bind sauce and pasta for a silky finish.
- For a lighter version, substitute half the heavy cream with Greek yogurt before serving.
- Brown the sausage well for caramelized bits that deepen the flavor.