Italian Sausage Pasta

Italian Sausage Pasta is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines hearty Italian sausage with tender pasta, rich cream, and fresh spinach. The addition of sun-dried tomatoes and a blend of herbs elevates the dish to a new level of deliciousness. Follow this recipe for a meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 1 pound Italian sausage: The key protein in this dish, adding a robust and spicy flavor.
• 3 minced garlic cloves: Essential for adding depth and aroma.
• 1 finely chopped small onion: Adds sweetness and a base layer of flavor.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper: For seasoning.
• 1 teaspoon dried marjoram: A sweet, floral herb that complements the sausage.
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme: Adds a subtle earthy note.
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary: Provides a piney, aromatic flavor.
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adds a bit of heat.
• ¾ cup chicken broth: Forms the base of the sauce.
• 12 ounces uncooked rigatoni pasta: The hearty pasta that holds up well in the creamy sauce.
• ⅔ cup julienne-cut sun-dried tomatoes: Adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor.
• ⅔ cup shredded parmesan cheese: Adds richness and a nutty flavor.
• 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream: Makes the sauce rich and creamy.
• 3 or 4 cups baby spinach: Adds color, freshness, and nutrition.
• Salt, to taste: For seasoning.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Chop the Vegetables: Mince the garlic, chop the onion, and julienne the sun-dried tomatoes if not already done.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil the Pasta: Cook the rigatoni pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Sausage and Vegetables

1. Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the Italian sausage. Cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion. Sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

1. Add the Herbs and Spices: Add the black pepper, dried marjoram, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir to combine.
2. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for a few minutes.
3. Add the Cream: Stir in the heavy whipping cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook until the sauce has thickened slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Incorporate the Cheese: Add the shredded parmesan cheese and stir until melted and well combined.

Step 5: Combine the Ingredients

1. Add the Sausage Back: Return the browned sausage to the skillet and stir to combine.
2. Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in the julienne-cut sun-dried tomatoes.
3. Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked rigatoni pasta to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta in the sauce.
4. Add the Spinach: Gently fold in the baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Season and Serve

1. Taste and Adjust: Taste the pasta and season with salt as needed.
2. Serve: Divide the pasta among serving plates. Garnish with additional shredded parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips for Success

Tip 1: Use Quality Sausage

• Using a high-quality Italian sausage can make a significant difference in the flavor of the dish. Opt for sausage with a good balance of spices and fat.

Tip 2: Don’t Overcook the Pasta

• Cooking the pasta al dente ensures it holds up well when combined with the sauce and doesn’t become mushy.

Tip 3: Fresh Herbs

• If available, fresh herbs can be used instead of dried for a more vibrant flavor. Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried.

Tip 4: Balance the Creaminess

• If the sauce becomes too thick, add a bit more chicken broth or reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Variations

Variation 1: Spicy Sausage Pasta

• Use hot Italian sausage and increase the amount of red pepper flakes for a spicier version.

Variation 2: Tomato-Based Sauce

• For a tomato-based version, substitute half of the heavy cream with tomato sauce or diced tomatoes.

Variation 3: Vegetarian Option

• Omit the sausage and add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.

Serving Suggestions

Serving Suggestion 1: Garlic Bread

• Serve with garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Serving Suggestion 2: Side Salad

• A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs well with the rich pasta.

Serving Suggestion 3: Wine Pairing

• Pair with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light red wine like Chianti.

Detailed Exploration of Ingredients

Italian Sausage

Italian sausage adds a bold and robust flavor to the dish. It typically contains a blend of pork, fennel, and various spices, which contribute to the overall taste. If you prefer a milder version, you can use sweet Italian sausage.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Sun-dried tomatoes provide a concentrated burst of tangy and sweet flavor. They add depth to the dish and complement the creamy sauce and savory sausage.

Heavy Cream

Heavy cream gives the sauce its rich and creamy texture. It balances the acidity of the sun-dried tomatoes and the spiciness of the sausage.

Parmesan Cheese

Parmesan cheese adds a nutty and salty flavor to the sauce. Using freshly grated Parmesan enhances the taste and ensures a smoother texture.

Additional Tips

Serving Temperature

Italian Sausage Pasta is best served hot. If it cools down, the sauce can thicken. Reheat gently on the stovetop if needed, adding a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a bit of broth or water to help maintain the sauce’s creamy texture.

Garnishing

Fresh parsley adds a bright, herbal note that cuts through the richness of the dish. You can also use fresh basil or oregano as alternative garnishes.

Nutritional Information

Italian Sausage Pasta is a rich dish, so be mindful of portion sizes if you’re watching your calorie intake. Using leaner sausage and low-fat cream can help reduce the overall fat content.

Italian Sausage Pasta is a flavorful and hearty dish that brings together the best of Italian cuisine. With the combination of savory sausage, creamy sauce, and fresh spinach, this recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this pasta dish is sure to impress. Enjoy it with your favorite side, and savor the comforting and delicious flavors in every bite!