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Sausage Pesto Pasta

Sausage Pesto Pasta
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Sausage Pesto Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish that combines savory Italian sausage with fresh basil pesto and tender pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, this one-pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. Versatile and customizable, it offers comforting richness with a fresh herbaceous punch, appealing to families and food enthusiasts alike.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein

  • 12 oz Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, casings removed if using links)

Pasta and Sauce

  • 12 oz pasta of choice (penne, fusilli, or rigatoni recommended)
  • 1/3 cup fresh or store-bought basil pesto
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)

Seasoning and Garnish

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot and cook your chosen pasta until just al dente according to package instructions. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, and set the pasta aside.
  2. Brown the sausage: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove the sausage from the casing if using links, crumble into the pan, and cook for 5-7 minutes until nicely browned and cooked through.
  3. Sauté garlic and tomatoes: Add the minced garlic and halved cherry tomatoes to the cooked sausage. Cook for a few more minutes until fragrant and the tomatoes begin to soften.
  4. Combine pasta and pesto: Lower the heat, then add the drained pasta and basil pesto to the skillet. Toss everything together thoroughly, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce and create a silky coating.
  5. Finish and serve: Season the pasta with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Notes

  • Reserve some pasta water to help create a smooth, cohesive sauce.
  • Do not overcook pasta; slightly undercooked pasta will finish cooking when combined with the hot sausage mixture.
  • Use high-quality fresh or store-bought pesto for the best flavor.
  • Choose sweet or spicy Italian sausage based on your preference for heat level.
  • Fresh garlic enhances the dish’s brightness and balances the sausage’s richness.

Nutrition

Keywords: sausage pesto pasta, quick pasta recipe, Italian sausage pasta, pesto pasta, easy dinner, weeknight meal, one-pot pasta

Find it online: https://tastebudtrek.com/sausage-pesto-pasta/