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    Home » Entrees » Pasta with Spicy Sausage, Basil and Mustard

    Mar 20, 2009 · Modified: Sep 15, 2020 by Chels · This post may contain affiliate links, uses cookies, and generates income via ads · View privacy policy + disclosure statement linked in footer · 19 Comments

    Pasta with Spicy Sausage, Basil and Mustard

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This Pasta with Spicy Sausage, Basil, and Mustard has a deliciously satisfying kick and plenty of fresh basil that will get you in the mood for spring and summer!

    Overhead view of a bowl of pasta with spicy sausage, basil, and mustard on a marble surface with a second bowl and a glass of white wine in the background with recipe title at top(This recipe for Pasta with Spicy Sausage, Basil, and Mustard was originally posted in March 2009, but was updated with new photos in 2019).

    Serious question: Is there ever a bad time for pasta? I'm just gonna go ahead and answer that for you... Nope!! Pasta is one of those foods you could literally eat every day because there are a million different kinds and 50 million different ways to prepare it. OK, if you're at all considered with your carbohydrate intake, maybe you shouldn't eat it every day, but I'm just saying that you could.

    I received the first issue of my Food & Wine magazine subscription the other day and broke it open right away. In this month's issue, there was lots of talk about Napa and wine country (which only makes me want to go back) and all of the recipes looked fantastic but also seem quite doable. Needless to say, I'm one issue in and I can't wait for the next! Since I'm forever on the hunt for a great pasta recipe that I can add to my meal rotation. (something a bit more exciting than plain old tomato sauce or butter and parmesan cheese), I immediately had to make this pasta with spicy sausage, basil, and mustard.

    PASTA WITH SPICY SAUSAGE, BASIL, AND MUSTARD RECIPE

    One of the best parts of this recipe is that I almost always have all the ingredients in my fridge, freezer, and pantry. OK, so I might have to run out to buy more basil since this recipe calls for a full cup, but otherwise, I'm good! Starting in March (when when hits) and running straight through September, I am all about eating TONS of basil. And spicy sausage is always a staple in my meal planning and I always have some waiting for me in the freezer. I highly recommend it.

    One to the super easy instructions for this pasta dish. Obviously, you'll start by cooking pasta in a large pot until al dente and then draining. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet and brown the sausage meat until brown, while crumbling it up with a spatula, about 5 minutes or so.

    Add the wine and simmer making sure to scrape up all pieces from the bottom of the skillet, until it is reduced to just about half (about 5 minutes). I really don't think this could have smelled anyyyy better. Yum! Then add the cream, mustard, and crushed red pepper; stir; and simmer for an additional 2 minutes.

    Remove the skillet from the heat and add the pasta and basil. Stir well and it's ready to be served!

    Collage showing process for making pasta with spicy sausage, basil, and mustard, including sausage cooking in a skillet, sausage browned with red pepper flakes, and pasta in skillet with sausage, basil, cream, and mustard

    Serve it in a great big bowl and dig in. Oh, and don't forget to serve the remaining white wine left in that bottle! I'm usually more of a red wine drinker, but white wine really does get me in the mood for spring and summer. Not to mention, all that basil!!

    Overhead view of two bowls of pasta with spicy sausage, basil, and mustard on a marble surface with a fork and a glass of white wine

    I mean, pasta and wine... Does it really get any better than that?? I also have to say that the crispness of the wine balances the spiciness of the pasta dish quite well. Don't worry; the pasta isn't out of control spicy, but it definitely has a nice little kick from the spicy sausage, mustard, and red pepper flakes.

    Speaking of... How have I never added dijon mustard to pasta before? What an amazing combination that somehow never crossed my mind. But then, is there anything dijon mustard doesn't go well with??

    Overhead view of a bowl of pasta with spicy sausage, basil, and mustard on a marble surface with a second bowl and a glass of white wine in the background

    I know it may take some time for the weather to warm up to spring levels, but for now I'm perfectly happy because I'm just sitting here with my giant bowl of pasta with spicy sausage and glass of white wine. Life is good!

    Happy weekend and HAPPY SPRING! 🙂

    If you're looking for more delicious pasta recipes, check out my Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta and my Angel Hair Alfredo with Jalapeño and Pancetta. I also love this Creamy Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta from Sprinkles and Sprouts!

    Pasta with Sausage, Basil, and Mustard -- This Pasta with Sausage, Basil, and Mustard has a deliciously satisfying spicy kick and plenty of fresh basil that will get you in the mood for spring and summer | wearenotmartha.com

    Pasta with Spicy Sausage, Basil, and Mustard

    This Pasta with Spicy Sausage, Basil, and Mustard has a deliciously satisfying kick and plenty of fresh basil that will get you in the mood for spring and summer!
    No ratings yet
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    Course: Entree
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: Easy Pasta Dishes, Pasta with Sausage
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes
    Makes: 4 servings

    Ingredients

    • 1 lb. fusilli or penne
    • 1 Tbsp olive oil
    • 1 lb. spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
    • ¾ cup dry white wine
    • ¾ cup heavy cream
    • 3 Tbsp grainy mustard
    • ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
    • 1 cup thinly sliced basil

    Instructions

    • Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente, drain.
    • While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet and cook the sausage meat until brown, while breaking up with a spatula, about 5 minutes.
    • Add the wine and simmer making sure to scrape up all pieces from the bottom of the skillet, until it's reduced to just about half (about 5 minutes).
    • Add the cream, mustard, and crushed red pepper, stir and simmer for an additional 2 minutes.
    • Remove the skillet from the heat and add the pasta and basil. Stir well and serve in individual bowls.

    Notes

    • Recipe adapted from Food & Wine
    Share a Photo of Your Finished Recipe!Mention @wearenotmartha and share a photo if you've made the recipe!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sara says

      March 20, 2009 at 7:44 am

      That looks yummy! and i like the chicken sausage addition 🙂

      i made the pasta with peas and asparagus that's on the front cover for my grandparents. i recommend it!

    2. Nicole says

      March 20, 2009 at 7:46 am

      Great job with that dinner. I can see why you threw out the pork!! haha, the next time i come over you can make that for me 🙂

    3. Maria says

      March 20, 2009 at 8:09 am

      Great pasta dish! Happy Friday!

    4. Julie Q says

      March 20, 2009 at 8:13 am

      wow!! That really looks awesome. Might have to try and make the weight watcher version of it this weekend (vacation got the best of me!)

      have a great weekend you two

    5. Adrienne says

      March 20, 2009 at 8:38 am

      Hold the phone. Mustard with pasta? Sounds fantastic!

    6. Jessica says

      March 20, 2009 at 8:41 am

      This looks absolutely delicious!!!!

    7. Danielle says

      March 20, 2009 at 8:50 am

      Just reading that is making me hungry - looks fab.! =)

    8. Penny says

      March 21, 2009 at 6:19 am

      So glad to see that I'm not the only one who loves to make a quick sweep through Trader Joes and adjust a recipe to what they have.

      Good work and have a very happy weekend.

    9. Monique says

      March 21, 2009 at 9:30 am

      all of you pasta lovers must try these recipes with Al Dente Pasta-the brand that cooks in just 3 minutes and tastes exactly like fresh, homemade. packed in clear bag with black check logo and black and white tape at top.

    10. Kelly says

      March 23, 2009 at 11:50 am

      That looks delicious. I'm a sucker for a good pasta dish and that looks like it would never disapoint. I also agree that magazine subscriptions are fantastic. I got quite a few for Xmas and the only problem is that I have a huge stack waiting to be read.

    11. Susan says

      March 23, 2009 at 6:49 pm

      That looks amazing. I want to make that this week.

    12. Nathalie in CA says

      March 25, 2009 at 9:27 am

      I saw this post two days ago and had to try it. I made the dish last night for the Boyfriend and me and it was a hit! Thanks so much for your wonderful recipes and photos!! I have never cooked with wine before and would have had no clue which one to buy. Fortunately, I wrote down the Yellowtail Chardonnay and found it in my local Safeway store. Thank you, thank you, thank you!! 🙂

    13. Elizabeth says

      March 26, 2009 at 1:43 pm

      Unrelated to this post though it looks equally delicious--where do you find the ancho chile powder needed for the Mayan cupcakes? They look so wonderful and I can't wait to try them!

    14. We Are Not Martha says

      March 30, 2009 at 6:41 pm

      Hi Elizabeth! I actually used simple chile powder instead of ancho chile powder. However, you can purchase ancho chile powder at any specialty spice store (Penzeys is my favorite!). My dad actually gave me a whole dried ancho chile pepper and my mom said I could put it in my food processor, but I'd have to clean it veryyyy well when I was done!

      Let us know if you make them and how they turn out!!

      [Sues]

    15. Darius T. Williams says

      April 04, 2009 at 6:00 am

      Great Photo!!!

    16. Boston Booze Cruise says

      June 08, 2009 at 10:47 am

      Looks fabulous!

    17. Stephanie says

      July 30, 2009 at 2:03 pm

      Maybe this was a silly thing to make in July but it's a cloudy day here in Chicago.... This was a great recipe! I used Italian hot sausage (pork) and half & half (it's what was in the fridge) to make this recipe, but it was delicious. That mustard made the dish. Good job!

    18. Madeline says

      December 01, 2009 at 9:53 pm

      Oh, how I love Food and Wine Magazine (who doesn't?) and that is a great gift. I've never thought of mustard and pasta together but what a great revelation!

    Trackbacks

    1. Fettuccine with Escarole & Brie « We are not Martha says:
      September 10, 2009 at 10:54 am

      [...] the following day. It actually sort of reminded me of a more summery and lighter version of the Pasta with Sausage, basil and Mustard dish I made back in March, which was my go to dish this past [...]

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