If you’re craving a pasta dish that feels both comforting and a little fancy, look no further than this phenomenal Sausage and Mascarpone Pasta with Tomato and Basil Recipe. It’s a perfect balance of rich, creamy mascarpone mingling with savory Italian sausage, all tossed in a vibrant tomato sauce with the fresh brightness of basil. Every forkful delivers a hearty, satisfying experience that feels like a warm hug—ideal for family dinners or impressing friends without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Sausage and Mascarpone Pasta with Tomato and Basil Recipe shines because of its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each component brings something special, whether it’s the comforting richness of the mascarpone, the spicy depth from Italian sausage, or the fresh kick of basil. You’ll be amazed how straightforward pantry staples come together to create such an unforgettable flavor.
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing to infuse a subtle fruitiness and help brown the sausage nicely.
- Italian sausage: The star protein, offering a savory punch with a lovely blend of herbs and spices.
- Garlic: Adds warmth and pungency, rounding out the savory flavors beautifully.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of oregano, thyme, and rosemary to give that classic Italian aroma.
- Dried basil: Elevates the sauce with subtle herbal notes even before fresh basil joins in later.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors perfectly.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Adds depth and moisture to the pasta cooking liquid, making the sauce light yet flavorful.
- Tomato sauce: Provides the vibrant, tangy base that ties the whole dish together.
- Penne pasta: Chosen for its sturdy tube shape that holds onto sauce beautifully with every bite.
- Mascarpone cheese: The creamy secret weapon that melts into the sauce for a luscious texture and mild sweetness.
- Fresh basil: Adds the final fresh, peppery brightness, making each plate pop with color and flavor.
How to Make Sausage and Mascarpone Pasta with Tomato and Basil Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the skillet and brown the sausage
Start by heating your olive oil in a deep skillet over medium heat until it shimmers invitingly. Then add your Italian sausage, breaking it up as it cooks along with minced garlic, Italian seasoning, dried basil, salt, and pepper. This is where those wonderful aromas begin to build, especially as the sausage browns and releases its flavorful juices. Cook it for 6 to 8 minutes until it’s thoroughly cooked but still juicy.
Step 2: Set the sausage aside and prepare the sauce base
Once cooked, transfer the sausage mixture out of the skillet using a slotted spoon and set it aside to keep warm. Give the pan a quick wipe with a paper towel to remove any burned bits—this helps keep the sauce smooth and clean-tasting.
Step 3: Build the sauce and cook the pasta
Pour the chicken broth and tomato sauce into the now-clean skillet and bring it to a boil. Then add the dry penne pasta straight into the liquid, cooking it uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes until tender. This method infuses the pasta as it cooks, absorbing the savory tomato broth.
Step 4: Finish the sauce with mascarpone and combine everything
After the pasta is ready, remove the skillet from the heat and drain most of the cooking liquid, leaving about 3 tablespoons behind. Stir in the mascarpone cheese while the pan is still warm—watch as it melts into a silky, creamy sauce that coats every piece of pasta. Finally, add the fresh basil and your reserved sausage back into the pan and toss everything together until well combined and fragrant.
How to Serve Sausage and Mascarpone Pasta with Tomato and Basil Recipe
Garnishes
The easiest way to elevate your dish is with a sprinkle of extra fresh basil leaves on top. You could also add a few shavings of Parmesan or a twist of cracked black pepper to entice your senses even further.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs beautifully with toasted baguette slices to soak up every bit of sauce. A simple green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette makes the meal feel lighter and adds a refreshing crunch contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming dinner party, serve this dish family-style in a large rustic bowl garnished with basil sprigs and place the toasted bread on the side. Or try plating individual portions with a drizzle of good-quality olive oil and a few chili flakes for a touch of heat and visual zing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, so you’ll find it tastes even better the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freezing is an option but with caution—mascarpone’s texture may change slightly. Pack the pasta in freezer-safe containers and store for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at short intervals, stirring often to maintain the creamy texture without drying out. Add a splash of broth or water if the sauce thickens too much during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use different pasta shapes in this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne works wonderfully because it holds onto the sauce, you can substitute rigatoni, farfalle, or even fusilli. Just adjust cooking times as needed.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the sausage with your favorite plant-based sausage or hearty mushrooms for an earthy flavor. The mascarpone and tomato sauce will still provide that creamy, savory base you love.
What can I substitute for mascarpone if I can’t find it?
You can use cream cheese mixed with a bit of heavy cream or ricotta for a similar creamy texture. Keep in mind mascarpone has a distinct mild sweetness that’s tough to replicate exactly.
Why does the recipe call for removing most of the cooking liquid?
Removing excess liquid helps concentrate the flavors and ensures your sauce isn’t watery. Leaving about 3 tablespoons keeps enough moisture to blend the mascarpone into a luscious coating.
Can I prepare parts of this dish ahead of time?
You can cook the sausage mixture in advance and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, just reheat the sausage and combine with freshly cooked pasta and sauce for best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about this Sausage and Mascarpone Pasta with Tomato and Basil Recipe that turns simple ingredients into a memorable meal. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or yourself, it’s a reliable way to bring warmth, comfort, and a little Italian flair to your table. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite pasta dinner.
Print
Sausage and Mascarpone Pasta with Tomato and Basil Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This hearty and creamy sausage pasta recipe combines Italian sausage, penne pasta, and mascarpone cheese in a flavorful tomato broth. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it features aromatic herbs, tender sausage, and a luscious sauce made right in one skillet.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 19 ounces Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ¾ cup tomato sauce
- 8 ounces dry penne pasta (½ box)
- 8 ounces mascarpone cheese (store-bought or homemade, about 1 container)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (plus more for serving)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: Warm the olive oil in a deep skillet over medium heat until it shimmers, providing an ideal base for cooking the sausage and releasing flavors.
- Cook the sausage and aromatics: Add the Italian sausage (crumbled), minced garlic, Italian seasoning, dried basil, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is thoroughly cooked and browned.
- Transfer the sausage: Use a slotted spoon to move the cooked sausage mixture into a clean bowl. Set aside for later combining.
- Prepare the sauce base: Carefully wipe out the skillet with a paper towel to remove excess grease. Then add the low-sodium chicken broth and tomato sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the pasta: Add the dry penne pasta to the boiling broth and tomato sauce mixture. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender but still firm to bite.
- Drain the liquid: Remove the skillet from heat. Keep approximately 3 tablespoons of the cooking liquid in the pan and discard the rest to avoid excess moisture.
- Add mascarpone cheese: Stir in the mascarpone cheese until it melts completely, creating a creamy and rich sauce coating the pasta.
- Combine all ingredients: Return the cooked sausage mixture and fresh chopped basil to the skillet. Mix everything thoroughly to blend all flavors and heat evenly.
- Serve: Garnish with additional fresh basil and serve immediately alongside toasted baguette slices for a complete meal.
Notes
- Make sure to crumble the sausage finely for even cooking and texture.
- Wiping out the pan after cooking the sausage is important to reduce grease for a lighter sauce.
- Reserve some of the pasta cooking liquid to help maintain sauce creaminess without thinning it too much.
- Fresh basil added at the end brightens the dish with a fresh herbaceous note.
- Toasted baguette slices complement the creamy pasta and make the meal more filling.
