Paccheri Pasta with Sausage Ragu is a comforting Italian dish that combines hearty sausage, rich tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. This recipe delivers bold flavors with minimal effort, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner or an impressive meal for guests. The wide, tubular paccheri pasta holds the savory ragu beautifully, ensuring every bite is filled with deliciousness. Whether you’re a pasta lover or simply craving a satisfying homemade meal, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Serve it with freshly grated cheese and a side of crusty bread for the ultimate Italian experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Rich & Hearty Flavor – The combination of savory sausage and slow-simmered tomato sauce creates a deeply satisfying taste.
Simple & Easy – Made with basic ingredients and minimal prep, this recipe is perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
Perfect Pasta Pairing – Paccheri pasta’s wide tubes hold the ragu beautifully, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
Customizable – Easily adjust the spice level, use your favorite sausage, or add vegetables for a personal touch.
Authentic Italian Comfort – Inspired by traditional Italian cooking, this dish brings warmth and nostalgia to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Paccheri pasta
- Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casing removed)
- Olive oil
- Onion (finely chopped)
- Garlic (minced)
- Crushed tomatoes
- Tomato paste
- Chicken or beef broth
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Dried oregano
- Dried basil
- Salt and black pepper
- Parmesan cheese (grated, for serving)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
These simple ingredients come together to create a rich and flavorful sausage ragu that pairs perfectly with paccheri pasta.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the paccheri pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
Prepare the Sausage
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until browned and fully cooked. Remove excess grease if necessary.
Sauté the Aromatics
Add the chopped onion to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Build the Sauce
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and broth. Add dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to combine.
Simmer the Ragu
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Combine with Pasta
Add the cooked paccheri pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat in the sauce. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb the flavors.
Serve & Garnish
Divide the pasta into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for Best Results
Use High-Quality Ingredients
The best pasta dishes start with quality ingredients. Choose good Italian sausage, ripe canned tomatoes, and fresh herbs for the best flavor.
Cook Pasta Al Dente
Paccheri pasta should be cooked until just al dente, as it will continue absorbing the sauce when combined. Overcooked pasta can become too soft and lose its shape.
Reserve Pasta Water
Saving a bit of pasta water helps adjust the sauce’s consistency. The starch in the water binds the sauce to the pasta for a smooth, restaurant-quality finish.
Brown the Sausage Well
Let the sausage develop a deep golden color before adding other ingredients. This enhances the overall flavor of the ragu.
Simmer the Sauce Slowly
Allow the sauce to cook on low heat for at least 20 minutes to let the flavors meld. The longer it simmers, the richer it tastes.
Customize the Spice Level
If you like extra heat, use spicy Italian sausage or add more red pepper flakes. If you prefer a milder taste, stick with mild sausage and omit the spice.
Add a Touch of Freshness
Stir in fresh basil or parsley at the end for a bright, fresh contrast to the rich sauce.
Let the Pasta Rest in the Sauce
Toss the pasta with the sauce and let it sit for a minute before serving. This allows it to absorb the flavors fully.
Serve with the Right Cheese
Freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano adds the perfect finishing touch. Avoid pre-grated cheese, as it lacks the same rich taste and texture.
Pair with Crusty Bread
A side of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking the Pasta
Cooking paccheri pasta too long makes it mushy and less enjoyable. Always cook it al dente, as it will continue cooking slightly when mixed with the sauce.
Not Reserving Pasta Water
Pasta water is key to achieving a silky, well-emulsified sauce. Skipping this step can result in a sauce that’s too thick or doesn’t coat the pasta properly.
Skipping the Browning Step
Failing to brown the sausage properly means missing out on extra depth of flavor. Let the sausage cook until golden brown before adding other ingredients.
Rushing the Sauce
A good ragu needs time to develop its rich taste. Simmering it for at least 20-25 minutes allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
Using Low-Quality Tomatoes
The quality of the tomatoes makes a big difference. Cheap or overly acidic canned tomatoes can ruin the balance of flavors. Use San Marzano tomatoes or a trusted brand for the best results.
Adding Too Much Liquid
Adding too much broth or not allowing the sauce to simmer long enough can make it too runny. If your sauce is watery, let it reduce for a few more minutes.
Forgetting to Taste and Adjust Seasoning
Not tasting as you cook can lead to a bland dish. Adjust salt, pepper, and spices to your preference before serving.
Skipping the Garnish
Fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese enhance the dish’s flavor and presentation. Don’t skip this final touch!
Serving with the Wrong Cheese
Pre-grated Parmesan contains anti-caking agents that affect texture and taste. Always use freshly grated cheese for the best flavor.
Not Letting the Pasta Absorb the Sauce
Mixing the pasta and sauce at the last second means it won’t fully absorb the flavors. Let it sit in the sauce for a minute before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- With Freshly Grated Cheese
Serve your Paccheri Pasta with a generous topping of freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano. This adds a rich, nutty flavor that enhances the dish. - Pair with Crusty Bread
A warm Italian baguette, ciabatta, or focaccia is perfect for soaking up the delicious sausage ragu sauce. A simple garlic bread would also be a great addition. - Side Salad for Balance
A light salad can balance the richness of the dish. Try a classic Caesar salad, arugula with lemon vinaigrette, or a Caprese salad with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. - Roasted or Grilled Vegetables
Serve this pasta alongside roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or grilled eggplant for a touch of freshness and added nutrition. - Wine Pairing
For those who enjoy wine, pair this dish with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti, Sangiovese, or Barbera. These wines complement the hearty flavors of the sausage ragu. - Antipasto Platter
If serving this for a special dinner, start with an antipasto platter featuring olives, marinated artichokes, cured meats, and cheeses for an authentic Italian experience. - Make it a Full Italian Meal
- Appetizer: Bruschetta or stuffed mushrooms.
- Main Course: Paccheri Pasta with Sausage Ragu.
- Dessert: Finish with a classic Italian dessert like tiramisu, panna cotta, or cannoli.
- Garnish for the Perfect Finish
Before serving, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil also adds a lovely finishing touch.
This dish is perfect for a family dinner, a cozy date night, or even a dinner party with friends!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storing Leftovers
- Refrigeration
- Allow the pasta to cool completely before storing.
- Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freezing
- If you plan to freeze it, store the sauce and pasta separately for best results.
- The sausage ragu can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- If freezing pasta, slightly undercook it before freezing to prevent it from becoming mushy when reheated.
Reheating Instructions
- Stovetop (Best Method)
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the pasta with a splash of water or broth.
- Stir gently until warmed through. If needed, add a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Microwave (Quick Option)
- Place the pasta in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel.
- Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully warmed.
- Add a little water or sauce if it looks dry.
- Oven (For Large Portions)
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the pasta in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Tips for Best Results
- Avoid overheating to prevent the pasta from becoming mushy.
- Refresh the flavors by adding a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh herbs before serving.
- If frozen, thaw the ragu in the fridge overnight before reheating.
By following these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your Paccheri Pasta with Sausage Ragu just as delicious as when it was first made!
Variations and Substitutions
Protein Variations
- Turkey or Chicken Sausage – For a leaner option, swap Italian pork sausage with chicken or turkey sausage while keeping the same rich flavor.
- Ground Beef or Lamb – If you don’t have sausage, use ground beef or lamb, seasoning it with garlic, fennel, and red pepper flakes for extra depth.
- Meat-Free Option – Make it vegetarian by using plant-based sausage or mushrooms and lentils for a hearty, meatless ragu.
Pasta Substitutions
- Rigatoni or Penne – If paccheri isn’t available, use rigatoni, penne, or ziti, as they also hold the sauce well.
- Gluten-Free Pasta – Use a gluten-free pasta variety to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
Sauce Variations
- Creamy Tomato Ragu – Stir in a splash of heavy cream or mascarpone cheese for a richer, creamier texture.
- Spicy Kick – Increase the heat by adding extra red pepper flakes or spicy Calabrian chili paste.
- Extra Herbs & Flavor – Add fresh rosemary, thyme, or bay leaves for deeper Italian flavors.
Cheese Options
- Pecorino Romano – Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a sharper, saltier flavor.
- Ricotta or Burrata – Add dollops of fresh ricotta or burrata on top for a creamy contrast.
Low-Carb Option
- Zucchini Noodles or Spaghetti Squash – Replace pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a low-carb twist.
These easy swaps and variations allow you to customize the dish to fit your preferences while keeping the bold, comforting flavors of the original recipe!
Nutritional Information
- Calories: ~550-650 kcal
- Protein: ~25-30g
- Carbohydrates: ~60-70g
- Fat: ~20-30g
- Saturated Fat: ~7-10g
- Fiber: ~5-7g
- Sugar: ~8-10g
- Sodium: ~800-1000mg (varies based on sausage and seasoning)
Nutritional Breakdown
- Pasta: Paccheri provides most of the carbohydrates and fiber in this dish, offering sustained energy.
- Sausage: Italian sausage adds protein and fat, making the dish satisfying and flavorful. Choosing a leaner sausage can reduce fat content.
- Tomatoes & Sauce: Crushed tomatoes and tomato paste add vitamins A, C, and antioxidants like lycopene, which supports heart health.
- Olive Oil: A source of healthy monounsaturated fats, which promote heart health and reduce inflammation.
- Cheese (Parmesan or Pecorino): Provides calcium and protein but also adds sodium, so use in moderation if needed.
Healthier Modifications
- Use Whole Wheat Pasta – Higher in fiber and nutrients than regular pasta.
- Swap Pork Sausage for Turkey or Chicken Sausage – Lowers fat while keeping the protein high.
- Reduce Cheese and Salt – Helps lower sodium intake.
- Increase Vegetables – Adding bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach boosts fiber and vitamins.
Related Recipes
Slow-Cooked Beef Ragu: A Comforting Italian Classic – A great companion recipe for those who love rich, slow-simmered Italian sauces.
Spinach Ricotta Rotolo: Italian Comfort Food – Another comforting Italian dish that pasta lovers would enjoy.
Salmon Asparagus Pasta: The Ultimate Guide – A seafood pasta option for variety.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sausage ragu up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. For best results, cook the pasta fresh when ready to serve.
2. Can I freeze Paccheri Pasta with Sausage Ragu?
Yes, but it’s best to freeze the sauce separately from the pasta. Store the ragu in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta for the best texture.
3. What type of sausage should I use?
Use mild or spicy Italian sausage for the most authentic flavor. You can also use chicken or turkey sausage for a leaner option.