Pasta with Sun Dried Tomatoes and Sausage
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Sausage, a comforting dish that combines hearty Italian sausage with the sweet richness of sun-dried tomatoes in a creamy Parmesan sauce. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a delightful balance of bold garlic, fresh basil, and a hint of spice from optional red pepper flakes. The tender pasta is coated in a velvety sauce made with heavy cream and chicken broth, ensuring every bite is packed with savory goodness. Whether you choose penne or fusilli, this crowd-pleasing pasta recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and a glass of wine. Ready in just 35 minutes, this flavorful meal is sure to become a family favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz Pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 8 oz Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 3 Garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 cup Sun-dried tomatoes (julienned, packed in oil, drained)
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 0.5 cup Chicken broth
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 0.25 cup Fresh basil leaves (chopped)
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Black pepper
- 0.25 tsp Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta. Set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Add the sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and stir for 2-3 minutes to heat them through.
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir well to combine and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
Add the cooked sausage back into the skillet and stir to coat it in the sauce. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue to stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until your desired consistency is reached.
Season the dish with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using), to taste. Stir to combine.
Remove the skillet from heat and garnish the pasta with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Serve immediately with additional grated Parmesan cheese on the side if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3971 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 299.7 g | 384% | |
| Saturated Fat | 110.1 g | 550% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 495 mg | 165% | |
| Sodium | 7341 mg | 319% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 177.2 g | 64% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 24.2 g | 86% | |
| Total Sugars | 38.0 g | ||
| Protein | 122.8 g | 246% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1649 mg | 127% | |
| Iron | 18.5 mg | 103% | |
| Potassium | 4448 mg | 95% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
