Copycat Jamie Oliver’s Sausage Pasta Recipe

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Jamie Oliver’s Sausage Pasta has become one of my absolute favorites. It combines the meaty richness of sausages, the vibrancy of herbs, and the satisfying bite of perfectly cooked pasta—all tied together in a sauce that’s bursting with flavor.

How to make Jamie Oliver’s Sausage Pasta

Jamie Oliver’s sausage pasta (sometimes called simple sausage pasta, sausage ragù pasta, or sausage pasta bake depending on the version) is a classic, hearty Italian-style pasta dish built around sausages cooked down into a rich tomato sauce.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for 4 servings:

For the Pasta:

• 300-400g of penne or rigatoni pasta (or any short pasta you prefer)
• Salt for boiling pasta water

For the Sauce:

• 4-6 high-quality sausages (Italian fennel sausages, classic pork sausages, or a spicy variety based on your preference)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-2 fresh red chilies, finely sliced (optional for spice) or 1 teaspoon chili flakes
• 1 can of chopped tomatoes (400g) or passata
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• A handful of fresh basil leaves, torn
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For Garnish:

• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese or pecorino
• Extra basil leaves, for serving

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Save about ½ cup of pasta water before draining. Set aside.
2. Cut open the sausage casings and crumble the sausage meat into bite-sized pieces.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the sausage meat and fry until golden brown, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Remove the sausages from the pan and set aside.
4. In the same pan, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Reduce the heat to medium and sauté the onion, garlic, and chili (if using) until soft and fragrant—about 5 minutes.
5. Add the canned tomatoes or passata to the pan and stir to combine. Sprinkle in the dried oregano and season with salt and pepper.
6. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has slightly thickened and the flavors are well blended.
7. Add the cooked sausage back into the sauce and stir to combine. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water for a silkier texture.
8. Add the drained pasta to the pan and toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. Stir in the fresh basil leaves for a burst of freshness.
9. Plate your sausage pasta and garnish generously with grated parmesan or pecorino cheese and a few extra basil leaves.

Tips for Success

• Choose the Right Sausages: The type of sausage you use can dramatically change the flavor profile of this dish. For a classic version, Italian-style sausages with fennel seeds work wonderfully. If you’re feeling adventurous, spicy sausages or even chicken sausages make excellent variations.
• The starchy pasta water helps loosen and blend the sauce together for a beautifully silky finish.
• If you’re not a fan of heat, skip the chili entirely. On the flip side, you can amp up the heat by adding more chili flakes or even a pinch of cayenne.
• Adding fresh basil at the end makes the dish feel light and aromatic. You can also toss in a handful of parsley if it’s what you have on hand.
• Parmesan is traditional, but pecorino adds a sharper, tangier flavor to this dish.

What to serve with

Jamie Oliver’s Sausage Pasta is a hearty, flavorful dish that works beautifully as the star of the dinner table. However, pairing it with complementary sides and drinks can elevate your meal into a true feast.

1. Caprese Salad: A simple combination of fresh mozzarella, sliced tomatoes, basil leaves, and a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic glaze is the perfect Italian-inspired starter. Its light acidity primes your palate for the flavorful main dish.

2. Garlic Butter Prawns: Sauté some fresh prawns in garlic butter and garnish with parsley for a quick appetizer. The delicate seafood flavor pairs well with the sausage’s richness.

3. Antipasto Platter: Include a variety of cured meats (like prosciutto and salami), olives, marinated artichokes, and cheeses, like pecorino, to set the tone for a delicious Italian-style feast.

Ingredients Substitutes

One of the great things about Jamie Oliver’s Sausage Pasta is its versatility. You can adapt ingredients based on what you have in your pantry or personal dietary preferences without compromising the dish’s deliciousness.

1. Sausages

The star of the recipe is the sausages, but there are plenty of alternatives depending on your preferences or dietary needs.

Vegetarian Option:

• Replace sausages with plant-based alternatives like veggie sausages or crumble-style meat substitutes made with soy or tempeh. Brands like Beyond Meat or Quorn offer excellent options.
• DIY Alternative: Sauté finely chopped mushrooms, lentils, or crumbled tofu to replicate the texture while adding a savory flavor profile. Add smoked paprika or fennel seeds for extra aroma.

Other Meats:

• If sausages aren’t available, try using ground pork, chicken, turkey, or beef. Season it with fennel seeds, garlic, chili flakes, and oregano to match the sausage’s flavor.

2. Pasta

The recipe traditionally calls for short pasta like penne or rigatoni, but you can use other options if needed.

• Other Short Pasta: Substitute with fusilli, farfalle, or macaroni for similar textures.
• Long Pasta: Feeling adventurous? Try spaghetti or linguine. The sauce will cling nicely to the strands, but you may need to toss it more thoroughly.
• Gluten-Free Pasta: Use gluten-free alternatives like rice, quinoa, or chickpea pasta for those with gluten intolerance.
• Zoodles or Veggie Noodles: Make it low-carb by substituting pasta with zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or carrot ribbons.

3. Tomatoes

Canned chopped tomatoes or passata are the base for the sauce, but there are options to swap these out.

• Fresh Tomatoes: Use ripe, fresh tomatoes instead. Blanch them, peel, and chop finely before cooking them down into a sauce.
• Tomato Paste: Mix tomato paste with some water for a concentrated flavor.
• Jarred Pasta Sauce: For convenience, use store-bought marinara or pasta sauce. Check for a good-quality one with minimal additives.
• Roasted Red Peppers: Blend roasted red peppers into a puree for a smoky, sweet alternative to tomatoes.

4. Onion and Garlic

These aromatics form the flavor base of the dish.

• Green Onions or Shallots: Substitute regular onions with shallots for a milder taste or green onions for a more colorful presentation.
• Garlic Alternatives: Try garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon per clove) or roasted garlic for a mellower profile.

5. Chili

Fresh red chilies or chili flakes add a spicy kick.

• Sweet Paprika: Use sweet or smoked paprika for a spice-free alternative with warmth.
• Cayenne Pepper: Add a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper for a kick similar to chili flakes—but don’t overdo it!
• Black Pepper or Crushed Red Pepper: Substitute with classic black pepper or crushed red pepper for a milder but flavorful option.

Final Thoughts

Jamie Oliver’s Sausage Pasta holds up beautifully on its own but pairing it with a well-crafted lineup of appetizers, sides, drinks, and desserts transforms it into a full dining experience.

More Pasta Recipes:

• Copycat Jamie Oliver’s Tuna Pasta Bake Recipe
• Copycat Jamie Oliver’s Mac n Cheese Recipe