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Pasta with Spicy Sausage, Radicchio, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

This vibrant pasta with spicy sausage, radicchio, and sun-dried tomatoes is a sophisticated high-protein meal that balances bold, contrasting flavours. The bitterness of the radicchio mellows beautifully when wilted, providing a perfect foil for the richness of the Italian-style sausage and the concentrated sweetness of the sun-dried tomatoes. Using casarecce or a similar short pasta shape ensures the chunky, savoury sauce clings to every bite for a satisfying finish.

Ideal for a quick midweek dinner or a casual weekend supper, this recipe is as nourishing as it is easy to prepare. The combination of fresh leaves and quality protein makes it a balanced choice for those seeking a hearty, homemade dish without the fuss. Serve it simply with a generous twist of black pepper and perhaps a scattering of freshly grated hard cheese for an extra savoury kick.

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Ingredients for Pasta with Spicy Sausage, Radicchio, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

  • 450g casarecce or other short pasta

  • Kosher salt

  • 60ml olive oil

  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced

  • 450g spicy Italian sausage, casings removed

  • 575g radicchio, cored, coarsely chopped (about 1675ml )

  • 120ml thinly sliced drained oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes

  • Freshly ground black pepper

Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until al dente. Drain pasta, reserving 180ml pasta cooking liquid; return pasta to pot.

Meanwhile, heat oil in a medium skillet over medium-high. Add onion and 1/4 teaspoons salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 5 minutes (do not brown). Add sausage and cook, stirring occasionally and breaking up sausage into small bits with a wooden spoon, until sausage is mostly cooked through, about 5 minutes. Add radicchio and 2 tablespoons water. Cook, covered, until sausage is cooked through and radicchio is wilted, 3–5 minutes more.

Add tomatoes, sausage mixture, and 120ml pasta cooking liquid to pot with pasta. Season with salt and pepper, toss to coat, and add remaining 60ml pasta cooking liquid, if needed. Divide among serving plates and top with pepper.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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