Spicy Sausage Pasta

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil 
• 500g thick beef sausages 
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 
• 1 onion, diced 
• 1 zucchini, finely cut 
• ½ red capsicum, diced 
• 3 mushrooms, finely cut  
• 2 tbsp tomato paste 
• 200g passata 
• 150ml light cream 
• 1 tbsp chilli flakes 
• 2 tsp Italian herbs 
• Pepper & salt 
• 500g pasta of choice  
• Basil leaves 
• Parmesan cheese 

Method: 

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Squeeze sausage meat from casings and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Add garlic and onion, sautéing for 2–3 minutes until fragrant. 
2. Stir in zucchini, capsicum, and mushrooms. Cook for 5–7 minutes until vegetables are softened. Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute before pouring in the passata and cream. Stir to combine. 
3. Season with chilli flakes, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer gently for 10–15 minutes. 
4. Cook pasta according to packet instructions. Drain and reserve a small cup of pasta water. Toss cooked pasta through the sauce, adding a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and grated parmesan cheese.