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Easy Sausage Pesto Pasta Recipe

Easy Sausage Pesto Pasta Recipe
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This Easy Sausage Pesto Pasta Recipe is a quick, flavorful, and comforting dish combining savory Italian sausage with vibrant fresh pesto, cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, it comes together in under 30 minutes and is easily adaptable to suit various dietary preferences and ingredient substitutions.

Ingredients

Scale

Sausage and Aromatics

  • 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casing removed)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Pasta and Sauce

  • 12 oz pasta of choice (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
  • 1/2 cup fresh pesto sauce
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup reserved pasta water

Finishing Touches

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water following package instructions until al dente, then drain, reserving about 1/4 cup pasta water for later use.
  2. Prepare the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onions and minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage. Sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Add Cherry Tomatoes: Stir in halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and slightly releasing their sweetness.
  5. Combine Pasta and Pesto: Add cooked pasta to the sausage mixture. Stir in fresh pesto and reserved pasta water as needed to create a creamy sauce that evenly coats the pasta.
  6. Finish with Cheese: Remove skillet from heat and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Toss gently to allow the cheese to melt and blend into the dish.

Notes

  • Use quality pesto (fresh or high-quality store-bought) for the best flavor.
  • Reserve pasta water to help achieve a silky and well-coated sauce.
  • Do not overcook pasta; al dente texture works best.
  • Brown sausage thoroughly for added depth and caramelized flavor.
  • Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley just before serving to brighten the dish.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://marysplate.com/easy-sausage-pesto-pasta-recipe/