As I stirred the pot, the rich aroma of garlic mingled with the sizzling sausage, instantly transporting me to a cozy Italian trattoria. If you’re in the mood for a comforting yet quick meal, this Easy Sausage Pesto Pasta is what you need. Perfect for those bustling weeknights, this dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a go-to for busy home chefs who crave something homemade without the lengthy prep. With its savory sausage and vibrant pesto, this recipe not only delights your taste buds but also allows for flexibility—whether you prefer a spicy kick or a vegetarian twist, it’s easy to adapt. Are you ready to turn your kitchen into a flavor paradise tonight? Why is this Sausage Pesto Pasta a must-try? Quick and easy: This recipe transforms your weeknight cooking, coming together in just 30 minutes—perfect for your busy lifestyle. Vibrant flavors: The combination of savory sausage and fresh pesto creates a deliciously aromatic dish that will impress family and friends. Flexible options: Whether you favor chicken sausage, plant-based alternatives, or extra veggies, this pasta dish caters to all tastes! Crowd-pleaser: A delightful blend of textures and flavors means everyone will be reaching for seconds. If you’re looking for more pasta inspiration, check out my Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders for another flavorful option! Easy cleanup: With minimal pots and pans needed, you can spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying your meal. Sausage Pesto Pasta Ingredients For the Pasta: Pasta – Choose any type you love; gluten-free pasta offers a perfect alternative for gluten sensitivity. For the Sausage: Italian Sausage – Delivers a rich, meaty flavor; swap it out for chicken sausage or vegetarian sausage as needed. For the Sauce: Olive Oil – A drizzle enhances flavor and helps sauté the sausage; using extra virgin can elevate your dish. Garlic – Fresh cloves offer aromatic depth; it’s the secret to a mouthwatering sauce. Cherry Tomatoes – Provides sweetness and juiciness; if fresh ones aren’t available, canned diced tomatoes work great. Fresh Basil Pesto – The star of your Sausage Pesto Pasta; consider making your own for even more flavor! For the Toppings: Parmesan Cheese – Adds a creamy, salty finish; for a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast. Pine Nuts (optional) – For a lovely crunch and richness; chopped walnuts can be a great replacement if you’re nut-free. Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning to enhance the overall flavor of your dish. Remember, whether you stick to the classic Sausage Pesto Pasta or take a bold twist, this dish is bound to be a hit at your dinner table! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Easy Sausage Pesto Pasta Step 1: Cook Sausage In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Crumble the Italian sausage into the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until browned and cooked through, with no pink remaining. The sausage should be sizzling and golden; this will infuse your Easy Sausage Pesto Pasta with rich flavor. Step 2: Boil Pasta While the sausage is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta of choice and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining the pasta in a colander. This water will help create a creamy sauce for your Sausage Pesto Pasta. Step 3: Create Sauce Base In the same skillet with the sausage, lower the heat slightly and add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 pint of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until the tomatoes soften and start to burst. The mixture should be fragrant and colorful, laying a delicious base for your pasta. Step 4: Combine Ingredients Add the drained pasta and 1 cup of fresh basil pesto to the skillet. Toss everything together, using a splash of the reserved pasta water for a silky sauce. Continue to mix until the pasta is thoroughly coated with the pesto and loves the savory sausage, creating a vibrant and flavorful Easy Sausage Pesto Pasta. Step 5: Finish & Serve Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. The pasta should be glistening and inviting. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or pine nuts if desired, and enjoy the comforting warmth of your homemade Sausage Pesto Pasta! Expert Tips for Sausage Pesto Pasta Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and basil add the most flavor. Whenever possible, opt for fresh to elevate your Sausage Pesto Pasta. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Ensure your pasta is al dente; it should have a slight bite. Overcooking can lead to mushiness in your final dish. Reserve Pasta Water: Always save a cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy liquid helps to achieve a creamy, silky sauce that clings perfectly. Customize Your Protein: Feel free to swap Italian sausage for chicken sausage or vegetarian options depending on your dietary needs. Texture Matters: For added crunch, sprinkle pine nuts or chopped walnuts on top just before serving—this enhances the eating experience! Taste As You Go: Adjust salt, pepper, and pesto amounts to suit your preferences. Building flavors gradually is key to a satisfying dish. Sausage Pesto Pasta Variations & Substitutions Feel free to unleash your creativity in the kitchen and make this dish your own! Chicken Sausage: Swap Italian sausage for chicken sausage for a leaner option that still packs a punch of flavor. Breakfast Sausage: For a twist of flavor, try breakfast sausage to infuse a savory, slightly sweet note to your pasta. Vegetarian Delight: Skip the sausage entirely and load up on seasonal veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini for a wholesome vegetarian feast. Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some sliced jalapeños to the skillet for a spicy flavor boost that’ll tantalize your taste buds. Gluten-Free: Opt for gluten-free pasta to enjoy this dish without worry; it’ll still be hearty and satisfying! Nut-Free Version: If you’re avoiding nuts, substitute pine nuts with sunflower seeds for that crunchy texture without the allergy concerns. Pesto Twist: Experiment with sun-dried tomato or arugula pesto for a unique flavor twist that can change the vibe of your dish entirely. Creamy Addition: Stir in a splash of cream or a dollop of ricotta for a luxurious, creamy finish that elevates the overall richness of your meal. With these variations, your Sausage Pesto Pasta can become a fun, personalized experience every time you prepare it! If you are still in need of more inspiration, consider trying the delightful Pasta Fagioli Soup next! Make Ahead Options These Easy Sausage Pesto Pasta preparations are perfect for busy cooks looking to save time during hectic weeknights! You can cook the sausage and prepare the sauce base (with garlic and tomatoes) up to 24 hours in advance; simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, you can pre-measure the basil pesto and have your pasta ready by cooking it al dente and storing it separately (it will keep well for 3 days). When you’re ready to serve, just reheat the sausage mixture, toss in the pasta and pesto, and add a splash of reserved pasta water to achieve that silky sauce. This way, you’ll enjoy the same delicious flavors of your Easy Sausage Pesto Pasta, with minimal effort! What to Serve with Easy Sausage Pesto Pasta Looking to create the perfect meal alongside your vibrant, flavorful Sausage Pesto Pasta? Here are some delightful pairings that will complement your main dish beautifully. Garlic Bread: The buttery, toasty flavor of garlic bread provides a crunchy contrast to the creamy pasta, perfect for sopping up every last bit of sauce. Crisp Green Salad: A fresh salad with a tangy lemon vinaigrette adds a delightful brightness, balancing the richness of the sausage and pesto. Toss in some cherry tomatoes to mirror your pasta. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies, like zucchini or bell peppers, offer a warm, caramelized sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the savory notes of the dish. Caprese Salad: This classic Italian salad of ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil complements the flavors of the pesto, making for a light and refreshing side. Bruschetta: Fresh tomato bruschetta topped with basil brings a burst of acidity and freshness that links well with the heartiness of the pasta. Crisp White Wine: A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc will enhance the herbal notes of the pesto while refreshing your palate. For an indulgent treat, consider serving rich, chocolate mousse as a dessert to round out the meal—a satisfying end to your delightful Italian-inspired feast! Storage Tips for Sausage Pesto Pasta Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, making reheating a joy. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the Sausage Pesto Pasta (without cheese) for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra pesto to keep it moist and flavorful. Airtight Guidance: If possible, avoid storing with cheese already mixed in, as it can become grainy when frozen; consider adding fresh cheese when serving. Easy Sausage Pesto Pasta Recipe FAQs How do I choose the right sausage for my pasta? Absolutely! For this Easy Sausage Pesto Pasta, I recommend using Italian sausage for its authentic flavor. However, if you’re looking for alternatives, chicken sausage works wonderfully for a lighter dish, while plant-based sausage can easily cater to vegetarian diets. Just make sure whatever you pick is well-seasoned and crumbles nicely for even distribution throughout the pasta. How should I store leftovers of the sausage pesto pasta? Very good question! To keep your leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This not only retains the flavors but allows them to mingle deliciously. If you’re planning to eat it later, you can freeze the pasta (without the cheese) for up to 1 month. Just remember to thaw it overnight in the fridge for the best results! Can I freeze the sausage pesto pasta? Of course! Freezing this dish is easy. First, ensure you leave out the Parmesan cheese when freezing, as it tends to become grainy. After preparing the pasta, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be stored for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or extra pesto to keep it moist. What should I do if my sauce is too thick? No worries! If you find the sauce from your Easy Sausage Pesto Pasta is too thick, here’s a step-by-step fix. First, gradually add a little of the reserved pasta water, about 1 tablespoon at a time, stirring continuously. This starchy liquid will help loosen the sauce while still keeping it creamy. If it remains thick after several additions, you can also stir in a teaspoon of olive oil or more pesto until you reach your desired consistency. Is this dish safe for my pets? It’s wise to be cautious! While the ingredients in Easy Sausage Pesto Pasta are tasty for us, it’s best not to share it with pets. Ingredients like garlic and onion can be harmful to dogs and cats. If you want to treat your furry friends, consider setting aside a small portion of plain pasta or cooked vegetables before adding the sauce and seasonings! Irresistibly Easy Sausage Pesto Pasta for Busy Nights This Easy Sausage Pesto Pasta is a comforting, quick meal perfect for busy nights, combining savory sausage and vibrant pesto. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsTotal Time 30 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: ItalianCalories: 550 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Pasta8 oz Pasta Choose any type you love; gluten-free offers a good alternative.For the Sausage1 lb Italian Sausage Delivers a rich, meaty flavor; swap for chicken or vegetarian sausage as needed.For the Sauce2 tbsp Olive Oil Using extra virgin can elevate your dish.4 cloves Garlic Fresh cloves offer aromatic depth.1 pint Cherry Tomatoes Provides sweetness; canned diced tomatoes work great if fresh are unavailable.1 cup Fresh Basil Pesto Consider making your own for more flavor!For the Toppings1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese For a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast.1/4 cup Pine Nuts Chopped walnuts can be a great replacement if nut-free.Salt and Pepper Essential for seasoning. Equipment large skilletpot Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Sausage Pesto PastaIn a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Crumble the Italian sausage into the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until browned and cooked through, with no pink remaining.While the sausage is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta of choice and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.In the same skillet with the sausage, lower the heat slightly and add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 pint of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until the tomatoes soften and start to burst.Add the drained pasta and 1 cup of fresh basil pesto to the skillet. Toss everything together, using a splash of the reserved pasta water for a silky sauce.Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or pine nuts if desired. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 65gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg NotesUse fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Don't overcook the pasta to maintain a slight bite. Save pasta water for a creamy sauce. Customize protein to your dietary needs. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!