Italian Sausage And Pesto Pasta Recipe

There’s something simply magical about a pasta night, especially when it involves the savory goodness of Italian sausage and the vibrant freshness of pesto. Let me take you on a quick gastronomic journey with this effortlessly delicious dish that’s perfect for turning any weeknight into a culinary celebration.

I love the rich, savory flavors of my Italian Sausage and Pesto Pasta. Featuring hearty Italian sausage and a vibrant pesto sauce, this dish is a delightful harmony of tastes.

The succulent cherry tomatoes add a burst of freshness, perfectly complemented by a sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese.

Italian Sausage And Pesto Pasta Recipe Ingredients

• Italian Sausage: Rich in protein; add savory, spicy flavor.
• Pasta: Source of carbohydrates; provides energy and texture.
• Pesto Sauce: Aromatic, herbal flavor; healthy fats from olive oil.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Add sweetness; rich in vitamins, antioxidants.
• Parmesan Cheese: Tangy, nutty flavor; adds calcium and protein.
• Olive Oil: Healthy monounsaturated fats; enhances dish richness.
• Garlic: Provides depth of flavor; potential health benefits.

Italian Sausage And Pesto Pasta Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 12 oz (340g) Italian sausage, casings removed
• 8 oz (225g) pasta of choice (e.g., penne or fusilli)
• 1 cup pesto sauce
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

How to Make this Italian Sausage And Pesto Pasta Recipe

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Add the Italian sausage to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.

4. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the pesto sauce. Combine well with the sausage.

5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it evenly with the pesto and sausage mixture.

6. Gently mix in the halved cherry tomatoes, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until they are slightly softened.

7. Remove the skillet from heat and season the pasta with salt and pepper to taste.

8. Transfer the pasta to a serving dish or individual plates.

9. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese generously over the top.

10. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired and serve immediately.

Italian Sausage And Pesto Pasta Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Skillet
3. Spatula
4. Colander
5. Measuring cup
6. Measuring spoons
7. Knife
8. Cutting board
9. Mixing spoon
10. Serving dish or individual plates
11. Grater (for Parmesan cheese)

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of sausage?
  Yes, you can substitute with turkey or chicken sausage if you prefer a leaner option. Just ensure you adjust the cooking time if needed.
• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
  Penne or fusilli are ideal choices as they hold the sauce well, but you can use any pasta you have on hand.
• How do I make my own pesto sauce?
  Blend 2 cups fresh basil, 1/2 cup olive oil, 1/3 cup grated Parmesan, 1/4 cup pine nuts, and 2 cloves garlic in a food processor. Add salt and pepper to taste.
• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
  Yes, simply omit the sausage and add extra vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for added flavor.
• How can I store leftovers?
  Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan over medium heat.
• Can I freeze the pasta?
  It’s possible, but the texture of the pasta may change upon freezing and reheating. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 1 month.

Italian Sausage And Pesto Pasta Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• 12 oz (340g) Italian sausage, casings removed
• can be substituted with 12 oz (340g) ground turkey or chicken for a lighter alternative.
• 8 oz (225g) pasta of choice
• can be replaced with whole wheat pasta or gluten-free pasta for dietary preferences.
• 1 cup pesto sauce
• can be substituted with sun-dried tomato pesto or a homemade basil-spinach pesto for a variation in flavor.
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• can be replaced with sun-dried tomatoes for a more intense tomato flavor.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• can be substituted with 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder if fresh garlic is unavailable.

Pro Tips

1. Use High-Quality Sausage Opt for high-quality Italian sausage with a good balance of spices and flavor. This will significantly enhance the overall taste of the dish.

2. Homemade Pesto Option Consider making your own pesto for a fresher, more vibrant flavor. You can make it by blending fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.

3. Perfect Pasta Texture Cook the pasta just a minute short of al dente and let it finish cooking in the sauce. This allows the pasta to absorb more flavor from the pesto and sausage mixture.

4. Roast the Cherry Tomatoes For added depth of flavor, roast the cherry tomatoes separately in the oven with a bit of olive oil and salt until they are caramelized and slightly shriveled before adding them to the pasta.

5. Fresh Herb Enhancement Add a squeeze of lemon juice over the pasta just before serving to brighten the flavors. The acidity will enhance the taste and complement the richness of the dish.