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Sausage Pesto Pasta

Sausage Pesto Pasta
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Sausage Pesto Pasta is a flavorful and easy-to-make Italian-inspired dish that combines savory Italian sausage with fresh basil pesto and perfectly cooked pasta. This comforting yet light meal balances bold, hearty flavors with bright herbal notes, ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or entertaining guests. It’s versatile, adaptable to dietary preferences, and reheats beautifully for leftovers.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein

  • 12 oz Italian sausage (spicy or mild), casing removed

Sauce and Aromatics

  • 1/2 cup basil pesto (homemade or high-quality store-bought)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Pasta

  • 10 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or rigatoni recommended)

Cheese and Garnishes

  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish
  • Optional: 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Optional: Toasted pine nuts for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving one cup of pasta water, then set the pasta aside.
  2. Cook the Sausage: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove the sausage from its casing and crumble into the skillet. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
  3. Add Garlic and Tomatoes: Stir in the minced garlic and cherry tomatoes (if using). Cook for 2-3 minutes until tomatoes soften and garlic is fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Combine Pasta and Pesto: Lower the heat, add the cooked pasta to the skillet, and spoon in the basil pesto. Toss gently to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to create a silky, well-coated sauce.
  5. Finish with Cheese and Garnish: Remove the pan from heat, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta, and garnish with torn fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use Quality Pesto: Homemade basil pesto offers the freshest flavor, but good store-bought pesto works well for convenience.
  • Don’t Overcook Pasta: Aim for al dente to retain a pleasant texture and prevent mushiness after mixing with the sauce.
  • Reserve Pasta Water: Using reserved pasta water helps loosen the sauce and allows it to cling beautifully to the pasta.
  • Brown Sausage Well: Crisp edges add texture and deepen flavor through caramelization.
  • Adjust Sauce Consistency: Add pesto gradually and balance with pasta water until you achieve creamy and luscious coating.

Nutrition

Keywords: sausage pasta, pesto pasta, Italian sausage, basil pesto, easy pasta recipe, weeknight dinner, gluten-free pasta option

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