Sausage Tomato Basil Pasta

I must admit, when we planted the tomato vines, we had no idea exactly how much we will be harvesting in the coming months. The answer – a lot! After we cooked and froze (a lot), we gave away the extra. That’s right! If there is one plant that gives and gives it must be the tomatoes! Finally, we decided that we have to learn some recipes other than my classic Butter Chicken, Butter Paneer and Tomato Basil Soup. We need a different recipe where we can use a lot of fresh tomatoes. If you love tomatoes, this recipe is perfect for you. 

This sausage, tomato, basil pasta is a perfect weeknight/ date night dinner. I give it its own sweet time to cook because I prefer to slow cook the tomatoes. It releases all the juices and the tomatoes melt down to become lusciously delicious. I use that time to finish my other chores which right now are simply endless. Life with a one-year-old is certainly busy. 

This pasta has become not only ours but Prisha’s favorite as well. This is a perfect comfort food recipe filled with beautiful aromas of fresh tomatoes, basil and sausage. Grate some parmesan on top and you have a winner. 

There is only one step which I do and think brings a lot more flavors, I cut the tomatoes in half. I do this even though our home grown tomatoes are small like cherry tomatoes. I do think this helps melt them down faster and makes the whole sauce richer. I also like adding some parsley with the basil. It is sure convenient to choose, because we have both of these at home. I do think the combination of parsley and basil brings a warm aroma in the pasta. I like adding half of the herbs with the pasta and a handful before serving. I do not recommend using dried herbs because they do not match the flavor of fresh herbs which is crucial in this recipe.

If you love shrimp, you can add it with the sausage or just make a shrimp pasta. We found that the sausage adds a lot more flavor in the dish and without it the pasta lacked that delicious meaty flavor. Use a good sausage of your choice. If you feel that halving the tomatoes is too much work, use canned diced tomatoes. 

Also, little things make huge difference in flavor. I recommend grating fresh parmesan instead of the pre grated packets.

Ingredients (Serves 2):

• Pasta – 200 grams (Angel Hair/ Bucatini/ Linguine/ Spaghetti)
• Kosher Salt – 1 tablespoon 
• Canola Oil – 1 tablespoon
• Olive Oil – ½ cup 
• Salt - ½ teaspoon (or to taste)
• Garlic – 2 large cloves, finely chopped
• Tomatoes – 6 cups, cut in halves or diced 
• Red Chili Flakes – ½ teaspoon
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper – ½ teaspoon 
• Sugar – ½ teaspoon
• Fresh Basil - 1 cup, coarsely chopped (Parsley is optional)
• Sausages – 2 (of your choice), cut in halves lengthwise
• Freshly Grated Parmesan – as required (for serving)

Directions:

• Heat the Olive Oil in a big skillet or wide heavy saucepan over medium-high heat. 
• Add Garlic, fry till golden, then add Tomatoes, Pepper, Red Chili Flakes, Sugar and Salt. 
• Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally about 6–8 minutes.
• Place the Sausages on the tomatoes, cover and cook over medium low heat for 30-45 minutes or until the tomatoes burst and release their juices to form a sauce. Stir occasionally.
• In the meantime, bring a large pot of water to a boil, and add the Kosher Salt and Canola Oil in it. 
• Cook the pasta in boiling water until al dente. 
• Place pasta in a colander, and give it a quick rinse with cold water. 
• Add the pasta in the skillet. Toss with the tomato sauce and half of the Basil (and Parsley). 
• Serve with crusty toasted buttery sourdough bread. Top the pasta with freshly grated Parmesan and a handful of herbs.

Tips:

• Add a handful of Parsley as well. It brings a delicious flavor with the Basil.
• Halve the tomatoes even if they are cherry.

Love Pasta? Try these recipes as well:

• Buttery Lemony Garlicky Shrimp Scampi Pasta
• Hamburger Pasta with homemade Sauce
• Mix Chow Mein recipe
• Quick Egg Chow Mein
• Chicken Tikka Chowmein
• Vegetarian Poha Style Chow Mein/ Pasta
• A Taste of Comfort: Lemon, Parmesan Penne Pasta with Chicken
• Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with Broccoli: A Delicious and Nutritious Twist
• Comforting Rigatoni Pasta with Bell Peppers and Sausage: A Winter Weeknight Delight
• Shell Pasta Bolognese