Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 500g Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 x 400g can chopped tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 300ml vegetable stock
  • 350g pasta (penne, fusilli, or your favorite shape)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions:

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
  3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  4. Pour in the vegetable stock, bring to a simmer, and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Toss the cooked pasta with the sausage and tomato sauce. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately with grated Parmesan cheese.