Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Boil the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook your macaroni according to the package instructions, but aim for al dente—it will cook a little further when combined with the hot sauce. Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the Meat and Aromatics
In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add the Italian sausage. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Once it’s about halfway browned, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until the sausage is fully cooked through and the onions are soft and translucent. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
3. Build the Zesty Sauce
Turn the heat down to medium-low. Stir the tomato paste into the meat mixture, letting it cook for about a minute to deepen the flavor. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir in the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 10 to 15 minutes so the flavors marry beautifully.
4. Combine and Cheese
Turn off the heat. Dump the drained macaroni directly into the skillet with the sauce and toss until every single noodle is completely coated. Stir in half of the Parmesan cheese to give the sauce a velvety texture.
5. The Melty Finish
Pop a lid over the skillet for 2 to 3 minutes to let the cheese melt completely from the residual heat. (Alternatively, if you love a bubbly, golden crust, transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with the cheeses, and broil it in the oven for 3 to 4 minutes).
Serving and Storage Tips
Serve this dish piping hot with a simple side salad tossed in a sharp vinaigrette and a thick slice of garlic bread to mop up any leftover sauce.
If you happen to have leftovers, you’re in luck. Like most tomato-based pasta dishes, Zesty Italian Macaroni tastes even better the next day after the noodles have had time to fully absorb the savory, herbaceous sauce. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days, and reheat it with a tiny splash of water or broth to keep it perfectly saucy.
Do you lean toward extra spicy sausage for your pasta bakes, or do you prefer to keep it mild? Let me know your favorite way to customize weeknight pasta dishes
