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ITALIAN SAUSAGE PASTA

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Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta: A Flavorful Italian Delight

Introduction

Looking for a delicious and comforting pasta dish to add to your dinner rotation? This Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta is the perfect answer. Loaded with browned sausage, sautéed onions, fragrant garlic, and rigatoni, this dish is further elevated with sun-dried tomatoes, baby spinach, and a creamy parmesan sauce. The combination of flavors and textures makes this pasta dish irresistible. Whether you are cooking for a family dinner or hosting guests, this recipe is sure to impress.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. Italian Sausage
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed rosemary
  • ¼ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 12 ounces uncooked rigatoni
  • ¾ cup chicken broth
  • 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
  • ⅔ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ⅔ cup sun-dried tomatoes, julienne cut, packed in oil, drained
  • 3-4 cups baby spinach
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

Preparing the Sausage Mixture

  1. Brown the Sausage: Start by browning the Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. After 3-4 minutes, add the finely chopped onion and continue cooking until the sausage is browned and the onions are soft.
  2. Add Aromatics: Reduce the heat to low. Add the minced garlic, marjoram, black pepper, rosemary, thyme leaves, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute while stirring constantly.
  3. Plate and Cover: Plate the sausage mixture and cover it with foil to keep it warm.

Cooking the Pasta

  1. Cook Rigatoni: Meanwhile, cook the rigatoni according to the package directions. Drain well and set aside.

Making the Creamy Sauce

  1. Deglaze the Skillet: Add the chicken broth to the skillet, working to deglaze the bottom and collect all the brown bits.
  2. Add Heavy Cream: Pour in the heavy whipping cream. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Allow it to reduce by about half.
  3. Incorporate Parmesan and Spinach: Turn the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and baby spinach. Continue cooking until the cheese is melted and the spinach is wilted.

Combining Everything

  1. Combine Ingredients: Add the sausage mixture and cooked rigatoni to the skillet. Stir to coat everything evenly.
  2. Season and Heat Through: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue cooking over low heat until the pasta dish is heated through.
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Tips for Making the Perfect Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta

  • Pasta Varieties: Several shapes of medium pasta will work with this dish, including ziti, rotini, elbow, medium shells, cavatappi, and penne.
  • Sausage Texture: Use a spoon to break up the Italian sausage so you have some small pieces and a few larger pieces. Variety in texture adds to the dish.
  • Reducing the Cream: The cream and chicken broth mixture can take up to 20 minutes to reduce, so plan accordingly. Aim to reduce by about 50%.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: For optimal flavor, make sure to drain the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes.
  • Storing Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
  • Freezing: Due to the amount of cream, freezing this dish is not recommended as it may affect the texture and appeal.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute the Italian sausage with any other sausage of your choice. However, the flavor profile might change slightly.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To make the dish spicier, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely. While rigatoni is recommended, other pasta shapes like ziti, rotini, elbow, medium shells, cavatappi, or penne will also work well.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes, you can add other vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. Sauté them along with the onions for added flavor and nutrition.

Nutrition Information

  • Calories: 1107kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 74g
  • Protein: 37g
  • Fat: 74g
  • Saturated Fat: 36g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Monounsaturated Fat: 26g
  • Cholesterol: 199mg
  • Sodium: 1314mg
  • Potassium: 841mg
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Vitamin A: 3647IU
  • Vitamin C: 16mg
  • Calcium: 344mg
  • Iron: 4mg

Enjoy this delectable Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta, a perfect blend of savory sausage, creamy sauce, and nutritious spinach, making it an ideal dish for any occasion.

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