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Sausage Pesto Pasta

Sausage Pesto Pasta
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Sausage Pesto Pasta is a quick and delicious meal ready in under 30 minutes, combining savory Italian sausage, vibrant basil pesto, and perfectly cooked pasta for a comforting and flavorful dinner that’s perfect for busy nights.

Ingredients

Protein

  • Italian sausage: 12 oz (mild or spicy, sliced or crumbled)

Pasta

  • Pasta of choice: 12 oz (penne or fusilli recommended)

Sauce & Flavorings

  • Pesto sauce: 1/2 cup (fresh or store-bought basil pesto)
  • Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
  • Garlic cloves: 3, minced
  • Cherry tomatoes: 1 cup, halved
  • Salt and pepper: to taste

Garnishes

  • Parmesan cheese: 1/4 cup, freshly grated
  • Fresh basil leaves: a handful, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add your pasta of choice. Cook according to package instructions until just al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water for later.
  2. Brown the Sausage: While the pasta cooks, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced or crumbled Italian sausage and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove excess fat as needed.
  3. Sauté Garlic and Cherry Tomatoes: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with sausage and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Toss in halved cherry tomatoes and cook until they start to soften and release their juices, roughly 3 to 4 minutes.
  4. Combine with Pesto and Pasta: Lower the heat, add the cooked pasta to the skillet, then stir in the pesto sauce. If the mixture feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up and help everything blend beautifully.
  5. Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished generously with grated Parmesan and fresh basil leaves for that final flourish.

Notes

  • Use quality pesto: Freshly made or a good store-bought brand makes a big flavor difference.
  • Don’t overcook pasta: Keep it al dente to ensure perfect texture and sauce adhesion.
  • Reserve pasta water: Adds moisture and helps thin the sauce without losing flavor.
  • Cook sausage thoroughly: Browning brings out deep flavor and improves texture.
  • Fresh herbs matter: Adding basil or parsley at the end brightens the dish.

Nutrition

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

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