When you’re craving a pasta dish with a bit of a kick but don’t want it overly spicy, this Spicy Sausage Pasta is just the thing! It’s packed with delicious flavors from sausage, gochujang, and chili jam, balanced perfectly with a creamy sauce. It’s the ultimate weeknight comfort food that’s easy to make and full of flavor. Let’s get into this satisfying, slightly spicy pasta recipe!
Method
Cook the Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. The salt enhances the flavor of the pasta, so don’t skip this step. Add the dry pasta and cook it according to the package instructions. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking together. While the pasta cooks, prepare the other components of the dish. Before draining the pasta, reserve a small cup of the starchy pasta water, which will be essential for the sauce. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Prep the Sausages
Next, prepare the sausages by removing their skins. This is a simple process—just make a small cut along the casing and peel it off. Once the sausages are skinned, break them into smaller pieces, which will cook more evenly and easily in the pan.
Sauté the Shallot and Garlic
In a large frying pan or skillet, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the diced shallot and crushed garlic. Sprinkle in the chili flakes, adjusting the amount based on your heat preference. Cook the mixture gently, stirring occasionally, until the shallot becomes soft and fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
Cook the Sausages
Add the prepared sausage pieces to the pan with the shallot and garlic. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break up any large chunks of sausage, ensuring even cooking. Stir occasionally, allowing the sausage to brown and develop a bit of color. This step not only cooks the sausage but also builds flavor for the dish.
Build the Sauce
Once the sausage is cooked, it’s time to create the sauce. Stir in the tomato purée, chili jam, and gochujang paste, mixing well to coat the sausage evenly. These ingredients add layers of flavor—sweetness from the chili jam, heat and depth from the gochujang, and richness from the tomato purée. To ensure the sauce isn’t too thick, add a few spoonfuls of the reserved pasta water. This starchy water helps bind the sauce to the pasta and creates a smooth consistency.
Add Cream and Combine
Reduce the heat to low and pour in the cream, stirring it gently into the sauce. Let the mixture simmer for a couple of minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together while thickening slightly. Be careful not to let the cream boil, as high heat could cause it to curdle. Once the sauce is ready, add the cooked pasta to the pan. Toss everything together thoroughly, ensuring that the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy, flavorful sauce.
Serve
With the pasta perfectly combined with the sauce, it’s time to plate your dish. Divide the pasta between two plates and sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese. For an added touch of freshness, garnish with chopped parsley. Serve immediately while warm, alongside a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. Enjoy this comforting, slightly spicy dish and savor every bite!
Spicy Sausage Pasta
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Frying pan or skillet
- Knife and cutting board
- Spatula or wooden spoon
Ingredients
- For the Pasta:
- 160 g dry pasta
- 4 sausages your choice, skins removed
- 1 diced shallot
- 2 crushed garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp chili jam
- 1 tbsp gochujang paste
- 1 tbsp tomato purée
- 1/4 tsp chili flakes adjust to taste
- 70 ml reduced-fat cream
- 20 g Parmesan plus extra for topping
- Optional: Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the Pasta.
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Reserve a small cup of pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: Prep the Sausages.
- Remove the skins from the sausages and cut them into smaller pieces.
- Step 3: Sauté the Shallot and Garlic.
- Heat a frying pan over medium heat. Add the diced shallot and garlic, along with the chili flakes. Cook until the shallot is soft and fragrant.
- Step 4: Cook the Sausages.
- Add the sausage pieces to the pan. Break up any larger chunks with a spatula and cook until the meat is browned and has some color.
- Step 5: Build the Sauce.
- Stir in the tomato purée, chili jam, and gochujang paste, mixing everything well. Add a few spoons of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Step 6: Add Cream and Combine.
- Pour in the cream and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes. Add the cooked pasta and toss until evenly coated in the sauce.
- Step 7: Serve.
- Plate the pasta, sprinkle with Parmesan and chopped parsley, and serve immediately. Pair with steamed broccoli for a complete meal.
Notes
- Adjust the Spice Level: Add or reduce chili flakes and gochujang to match your heat tolerance.
- Use Fresh Pasta Water: Adding a bit of starchy pasta water to the sauce helps it bind to the pasta better.
- Don’t Overcook the Cream: Keep the heat low when adding the cream to prevent curdling.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with garlic bread or a side salad for a fuller meal.
- Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like more heat.
- Pair with a chilled glass of white wine or a light beer for a cozy dinner.
Fun Fact
Did you know gochujang is a Korean chili paste made from red chili powder, fermented soybeans, and glutinous rice? Its slightly sweet and savory flavor makes it a versatile ingredient for adding depth to dishes like this pasta!
Conclusion
This Spicy Sausage Pasta is a delicious blend of bold flavors and creamy goodness. It’s the perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and savory sausage that makes it a standout weeknight dinner. Give this recipe a try, and let me know how much you enjoyed it. Happy cooking! 🌶️🍝✨