Italian Sausage Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe

If you’re craving something that bursts with vibrant flavors and comes together in just 30 minutes, this Italian Sausage Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe is a total winner. Juicy, seared Italian sausage coins mingle perfectly with sweet cherry tomatoes and tender yellow summer squash, all tossed with al dente pasta and fragrant fresh basil. The addition of a savory beef broth adds a luscious, comforting sauce that ties everything together beautifully. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress friends, this recipe is as easy as it is delicious, bringing a fresh burst of Italian-inspired goodness right to your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are refreshingly simple but packed with personality. Each one plays a crucial role—from the hearty Italian sausage that provides a savory punch to the colorful cherry tomatoes that add a juicy sweetness, and even the fresh basil that brightens every bite with herbal notes.

• Water and 1/2 tablespoon salt: Salting your pasta water like the ocean is key to flavorful noodles.
• 3 cups pasta (about 9 ounces): Any shape works, but cavatappi’s curls hold onto sauce beautifully.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps prevent the pasta from sticking together.
• 1 pound Italian sausage links: The star of the show, delivering that unmistakable savory, slightly spiced flavor.
• 1-2 teaspoons oil: Just enough to get a perfect sear on those sausage slices.
• 1 cup good quality beef broth: Adds a deep, savory base to the dish.
• 2 medium yellow summer squash: Light and tender, they bring a gentle sweetness and wonderful texture.
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes: Bursting with juicy, sweet-tart flavor, they’re a fresh contrast to the richness.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: To season and balance the flavors in the pan.
• 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped and divided): Offers aromatic brightness that makes the entire dish sing.
• 1/2 cup green onions (chopped): Adds a mild onion crunch and fresh edge.
• More fresh basil (to garnish): Because a little extra herb on top never hurts.

How to Make Italian Sausage Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe

Step 1: Cook the pasta perfectly

Start by bringing a medium pot of water to a rolling boil and adding 1/2 tablespoon of salt until the water tastes like the ocean. This seasoning boost is essential because it infuses your pasta with flavor right from the start. Toss in your pasta and cook it until it’s just al dente—it should still have a little bite without feeling mushy. Give it a stir now and then so it doesn’t stick together or to the pot.

Step 2: Preserve the pasta

Drain the pasta once it reaches al dente perfection and return it to the pot. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and stir it through. This step keeps those noodles glossy and prevents clumping. Cover the pot to keep the pasta warm while you move on to the next steps.

Step 3: Prep and slice the sausage

Now, for the sausage—slice the Italian sausage links crosswise into large coin-shaped pieces. It’s a tiny challenge because the sausage filling wants to spill out, but a sharp chef’s knife and one confident cut will get you those beautiful slices. These coins are perfect for browning and developing those irresistible crispy edges.

Step 4: Sear the sausage slices

Heat a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat, then add just enough oil to lightly coat the bottom (around 1 to 2 teaspoons). Place your sausage coins one at a time, making sure to space them out so they sear rather than steam in the pan. This space is what gives you that deep caramelization we all love.

Step 5: Brown the sausage thoroughly

Leave the sausage undisturbed for about 3 to 4 minutes until the bottoms are nicely browned, then use tongs to flip each slice. Cook the other side for another 2 to 3 minutes until equally crispy and golden. This browning process creates an incredibly satisfying texture and intensifies the flavor.

Step 6: Add broth and simmer

To create a flavorful sauce and keep everything juicy, pour in 1 cup of good quality beef broth. Stir it all together, then cover the pan and reduce the heat to medium. Let it simmer gently for 5 minutes so the sausage absorbs those rich, meaty flavors.

Step 7: Prep the veggies and herbs

While your sausage simmers, slice the yellow squash lengthwise and then chop into half rounds—this creates tender, bite-sized pieces. Slice half or all of the cherry tomatoes; I like to leave some whole for texture contrast. Chop 1/4 cup of fresh basil and mix half of it into the pasta you set aside earlier, so the noodles pick up those fresh herbal notes too.

Step 8: Combine veggies with sausage

Stir the squash, tomatoes, and remaining basil into the skillet with your sausage and broth mixture. Turn the heat back up to high to bring everything to a boil, then cover and lower the heat to medium again. Let the vegetables cook gently for around 5 minutes, until they soften but still keep their shape and freshness.

Step 9: Finish with green onions and heat off

Remove the lid and stir in 1/2 cup of chopped green onions. The residual heat will mellow their sharpness perfectly—turn off the stove at this point so the bright flavors and textures stay intact.

Step 10: Plate and garnish

Spoon your sausage and veggie mixture generously over the warm basil-infused pasta in shallow pasta bowls. Garnish with extra fresh basil leaves. If you want, add freshly grated Parmesan on top, but honestly, this vibrant Italian Sausage Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe holds its own beautifully even without it.

How to Serve Italian Sausage Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh herbs make all the difference here. Sprinkling extra basil on top not only looks stunning but also adds an aromatic lift. If you love cheese, a dusting of Parmesan or Pecorino Romano adds a savory nutty touch to each bite without overpowering the bright freshness of the tomatoes.

Side Dishes

This dish stands confidently on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette can balance the richness of the sausage perfectly. Warm, crusty bread is another favorite companion, perfect for soaking up any leftover broth on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this Italian Sausage Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe family-style in a large serving bowl, garnished with colorful basil leaves, to encourage sharing and conversation. Or for a more formal touch, plate it individually with a carefully placed basil sprig and a wedge of lemon for a fresh zing on the side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen as they rest, making the next-day taste just as delightful. Make sure to separate pasta and sausage mixture if you prefer to keep noodles from soaking up too much liquid.

Freezing

If you want to freeze this Italian Sausage Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe, cool it completely first. Place the mixture (preferably without the fresh basil, which can be added later) in a freezer-safe container. It will last up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

Gently reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir frequently until warmed through. Fresh basil can be stirred in after reheating for that bright, fresh flavor punch.

FAQs

Can I use ground Italian sausage instead of links?

Absolutely! Ground Italian sausage works just as well. Brown it in the skillet and break it up into bite-sized pieces before adding broth and veggies. Just adjust cooking times slightly to make sure it’s fully cooked.

What pasta types go best with this recipe?

Cavatappi is great because its spiral twists hold onto the sauce beautifully, but penne, rigatoni, or even fusilli work perfectly. Just choose your favorite pasta shape that can catch the chunky sausage and veggie bits.

Is beef broth necessary or can I substitute?

You can substitute beef broth with chicken broth or vegetable broth if that’s what you have on hand. Each will change the flavor slightly—beef gives a richer, deeper note while veggie or chicken broth keeps it lighter.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To keep this recipe vegetarian, swap out the Italian sausage for a plant-based sausage or hearty mushrooms sautéed until browned. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and you’ll still have a satisfying and flavorful dish.

How do I keep the cherry tomatoes from turning into sauce?

Leaving some of the cherry tomatoes whole or halving only half of them helps maintain a nice texture. Cooking them just until they soften but still hold shape (about 5 minutes) makes sure they don’t completely break down into sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Italian Sausage Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe is an absolute joy to make and eat. It’s quick, colorful, and full of layers of flavor that come together in a way that will have you reaching for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish brings warm, comforting vibes with a fresh, vibrant touch that everyone will love—so go ahead and give it a try today! Your taste buds will thank you.

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