Sausage pasta is one of those simple, satisfying dishes that works just as well for a quick family meal as it does on a busy café or pub menu. It is hearty, full of flavour and easy to adapt depending on the sausages, sauce and pasta you have available.
This recipe uses browned Gills premium sausages, a rich tomato sauce and a generous handful of pasta to create a comforting dish that is ready in around 30 minutes. It is simple, reliable and packed with flavour.
Ingredients
Serves 4
400g pasta, such as penne, rigatoni or fusilli
6 Gills Premium pork sausages
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 red pepper, sliced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
400g chopped tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato purée
100ml chicken or vegetable stock
A handful of fresh basil or parsley
Salt and black pepper
Grated parmesan, to serve
Method
Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil and cook the pasta according to the packet instructions. Drain and keep a small cup of the pasta water to one side.
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat. Remove the Gills sausages from their skins and break the meat into small pieces, or slice the sausages into chunky rounds if you prefer more texture. Add to the pan and cook until browned.
Add the onion and red pepper, then cook for a few minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic, oregano and smoked paprika, allowing the flavours to warm through without burning the garlic.
Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato purée and stock. Stir well, then simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until the sauce has thickened and the sausage is fully cooked. Season with salt and black pepper.
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss everything together. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it coats the pasta nicely.
Finish with fresh basil or parsley and serve with grated parmesan.
Why Sausage Pasta Works So Well
The best sausage pasta starts with good quality sausages. As the sausages cook, they release flavour into the pan, helping to create a rich sauce without needing a long list of ingredients.
This makes sausage pasta a useful recipe for both home cooks and foodservice kitchens. It is quick to prepare, easy to scale and can be adapted with different sausage styles, pasta shapes and sauces. For a richer dish, use a premium pork sausage. For a little heat, try a spicy sausage. For a lighter version, add more vegetables and a smaller portion of pasta.
For cafés, pubs and caterers, sausage pasta is also a practical menu option. It uses familiar ingredients, appeals to a wide range of customers and can be prepared efficiently during busy service.
Quality Sausages for Better Pasta Dishes
At Gills, we know that sausages are not just for breakfasts and baps. They are a versatile ingredient that can bring flavour, texture and value to a wide range of dishes, including pasta, casseroles, traybakes and menu specials.
Whether you are cooking at home, running a café or sourcing products for foodservice, choosing the right sausage makes a real difference to the finished dish.
Trade customers looking for quality sausages for pasta dishes, breakfast menus or wider foodservice use can contact Gills to discuss our sausage range and supply options.
