Weeknight Delight: Pasta with Italian Sausage
45
min
886
Calories
49g
Fats
94g
Carbs
32g
Protein
Whip up a mouthwatering Pasta with Italian Sausage dinner that's both hearty and easy to make. It's the perfect combination of savory sausage, al dente pasta, and a rich tomato sauce, all topped with fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients:
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
Start by warming up your skillet over medium heat. Crumble the Italian sausage into the skillet, stirring often to ensure even cooking. Once the sausage is well browned, which should take about 10 minutes, go ahead and drain any excess grease and set your sausage aside. This step is crucial for giving your dish that rich, meaty flavor that pairs so wonderfully with the creamy pasta.
Pro Tip: For an extra flavor boost, try using spicy Italian sausage.
Step 2: Sauté Veggies and Seasonings
In the same skillet you used for the sausage, add a tablespoon of olive oil, chopped onion, and diced bell pepper. Stir in minced garlic, dried basil, and fennel seeds. The key here is to scrape up those tasty browned bits from the sausage that are still in the pan, as they add a ton of flavor to your veggies. Cook everything together over medium heat until the onions are soft and translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. This mix will create a fragrant base for your pasta sauce.
Pro Tip: Keep the heat medium to avoid burning the garlic.
Step 3: Combine Sauce Ingredients
Return the cooked sausage to your skillet along with the pasta sauce and red wine. The red wine adds a depth of flavor that complements the tomato base wonderfully. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Meanwhile, start boiling your pasta in a large pot of salted water until it's al dente, which should align perfectly with your sauce's cooking time.
Pro Tip: For a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer uncovered so some of the liquid evaporates.
Step 4: Mix Pasta with Fresh Herbs and Olive Oil
Once your pasta is cooked and drained, toss it with fresh parsley, an additional tablespoon of olive oil, and fresh basil if you have it. The fresh herbs bring a light, fresh taste that cuts through the richness of the sauce. This step ensures your pasta is well-coated and flavorful before even adding the sauce.
Pro Tip: Always reserve a cup of pasta water to help the sauce cling to the pasta better.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Now it's time to bring it all together. Pour the savory sausage sauce over your herbed pasta, ensuring it's uniformly distributed. The moment you pour this sauce, the aroma will fill your kitchen, making it hard to wait even a minute to dig in. Sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese for that perfect finishing touch. Serving it on a warm platter keeps everything nice and hot. Grab your forks, it's time to enjoy this heartwarming dish.
Pro Tip: To add a bit of crunch, top with toasted breadcrumbs before serving.
