Pasta Recipe for a Crowd
Spicy Sausage Party Favorite
If you’re looking for a pasta recipe for a crowd that actually disappears fast, this big batch spicy sausage pasta is one to keep on repeat. I only make it a few times a year — usually for holidays or when everyone’s home — and without fail, someone hides a plate before dinner is even over.
Hosting can feel overwhelming, especially when you need something filling, flavorful, and easy to scale. This recipe solves that problem with simple ingredients, bold flavor, and no complicated sauce.
It’s hearty, a little spicy, and perfect for feeding a hungry group.
What Is a Pasta Recipe for a Crowd?
A pasta recipe for a crowd is a meal designed to feed multiple people without losing flavor or texture. It needs to scale easily, hold up well, and still taste just as good when reheated.
This version is built around Louisiana hot sausage, bell peppers, onions, garlic, olive oil, crushed red pepper flakes, and penne pasta. Instead of relying on a heavy cream sauce, it builds flavor through layering and caramelization.
Because everything is sliced thin and evenly distributed, every bite is balanced. That’s what makes this recipe work so well for holidays, parties, and family gatherings.
Up next, I’ll break down the nuts and bolts so you can make this confidently.
The Nuts and Bolts of This Pasta Recipe for a Crowd
When making a pasta recipe for a crowd, the goal is maximum flavor with minimal stress. Here’s how to make this big batch spicy sausage pasta turn out perfectly every time.
Big Batch Pasta Recipe: Slice Everything Thin
The key to this big batch pasta recipe is slicing the sausage, onions, and peppers thin.
Thin slices cook evenly and distribute flavor throughout the dish. Instead of large chunks sitting on top of pasta, everything blends together. It takes extra prep time — but that prep is what makes this recipe feel special.
Let the sausage caramelize slightly in the pan. Those browned edges? That’s flavor.
Spicy Sausage Pasta: Build Flavor in Layers
For the best spicy sausage pasta, start by heating olive oil in a large nonstick pan. Add crushed red pepper flakes directly to the oil so they bloom and release their flavor.
Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned — the sausage stays in the pan the entire time.
Once the sausage begins to caramelize, add your thinly sliced onions and bell peppers. Let them soften and cook down. Stir in garlic at the end so it doesn’t burn.
Finally, toss everything together with al dente penne and freshly grated Parmesan.
No heavy sauce is needed because the flavor comes from layering.
Holiday Pasta Recipe That Reheats Well
A true holiday pasta recipe needs to hold up.
This one does.
Because there’s no cream sauce, it reheats beautifully. It also sits well during gatherings without separating. That makes it a reliable party pasta idea when feeding extended family or guests.
And yes — leftovers are never guaranteed.
Ingredients for This Pasta Recipe for a Crowd
If you’d like to make grocery shopping simple, I created a Walmart ingredient list with everything you need for this pasta recipe for a crowd.
Shop the full ingredient list at Walmart here:
https://walmrt.us/46dPn4B
2 lbs Louisiana hot sausage, thinly sliced
1 large white onion, thinly sliced
2–3 bell peppers (mixed colors), thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb penne pasta
¼ cup olive oil
1–2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes (plus more to taste)
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (Homestyle brand)
Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make This Pasta Recipe for a Crowd
In a large nonstick pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add crushed red pepper flakes to the oil and let them bloom for about 30 seconds.
Add the sliced Louisiana hot sausage directly to the pan and cook until browned. Do not remove the sausage.
Once the sausage begins to caramelize, add the thinly sliced onions and bell peppers. Cook until softened and slightly tender.
While the vegetables cook down, start the penne in salted water and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
Add the cooked penne pasta to the pan and toss everything together until evenly combined.
Finish by mixing in the Parmesan cheese, add additional crushed red pepper flakes if desired, and serve hot.
Watch Me Make This Pasta Recipe for a Crowd
If you’d rather see the full process step by step, here’s the video showing exactly how I slice everything thin, build the flavor, and mix it all together in one big nonstick pan.
Why This Pasta Recipe for a Crowd Works
If you’re hosting, planning a holiday, or just need a reliable pasta recipe for a crowd, this big batch spicy sausage pasta is one to keep in your back pocket.
It’s simple, bold, and built with ingredients that are easy to find — but it always feels special when it hits the table.
And if you love simple, real-life meals like this, save this recipe for later and share it with someone who’s planning their next gathering.
