Rustic Sausage and Pasta Delight
This dish is inspired by the rustic charm of the Italian countryside, where hearty flavors meet simple ingredients. Savor the harmony of robust sausages and perfectly al dente pasta, brought together in a symphony of flavors that are both hearty and comforting. It's a modern twist on the traditional Italian combination, ideal for a cozy dinner that fascinates the senses.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausages - mild or spicy, casings removed
- 12 oz pasta - such as penne or rigatoni, uncooked
2 tbsp olive oil - extra virgin for best flavor
1 cup onion - finely chopped
3 cloves garlic - minced- 1 can diced tomatoes - 14 oz, with juices
1 tsp dried oregano - or fresh if available
0.5 cup heavy cream - for richness
0.25 cup Parmesan cheese - grated, plus more for serving
1 pinch salt - to taste
1 pinch ground black pepper - to taste
3 tbsp basil - fresh, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by heating a large pot of water with a generous pinch of salt. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook until just before al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausages, breaking them into crumbles with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the onions to the skillet, sautéing until translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes. Follow with the minced garlic, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the oregano. Simmer gently for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld, and occasionally stir.
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, letting it simmer for another 5 minutes, then add the pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed to adjust consistency.
- Finish by stirring in the Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the pasta garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese as desired. Enjoy with a robust glass of red wine.
Notes
For a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the onions. If you're avoiding dairy, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk for a different twist.
Nutrition
Calories: 641kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 21gFat: 55gSaturated Fat: 22gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 25gCholesterol: 125mgSodium: 1372mgPotassium: 851mgFiber: 3gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 1069IUVitamin C: 22mgCalcium: 163mgIron: 4mg
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