Pasta with Turkey Sausage Tomatoes Mozzarella
This vibrant and satisfying pasta with turkey sausage, tomatoes, and mozzarella is a quick and flavorful dinner option that’s sure to impress. Tender pasta, such as penne or fusilli, is tossed with savory turkey sausage, sweet juicy cherry tomatoes, and a touch of heat from optional crushed red pepper flakes. The dish is finished with creamy, melty cubes of fresh mozzarella and a bright hint of fresh basil to tie it all together. With just 40 minutes from start to finish, this recipe offers a perfect balance of bold flavors and comforting textures, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Don't forget to sprinkle some grated Parmesan for an irresistible finishing touch! Perfect for anyone seeking an easy yet elegant Italian-inspired pasta recipe.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 4 links turkey sausage (sweet or spicy)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, cubed
- 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese (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 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove the casings from the turkey sausage and crumble the meat into the skillet. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Add the halved cherry or grape tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and begin to release their juices. If desired, add crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Return the cooked turkey sausage to the skillet and mix with the tomato mixture. Season with salt and black pepper. Stir to combine.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together until well-coated, adding more pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
Reduce the heat to low and gently fold in the cubed fresh mozzarella. Heat for 1-2 minutes, just until the cheese begins to melt but still holds its shape.
Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the pasta. Toss to combine.
Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2411 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 137.1 g | 176% | |
| Saturated Fat | 60.2 g | 301% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 450 mg | 150% | |
| Sodium | 6909 mg | 300% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 137.1 g | 50% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.2 g | 44% | |
| Total Sugars | 19.7 g | ||
| Protein | 147.7 g | 295% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 2085 mg | 160% | |
| Iron | 12.4 mg | 69% | |
| Potassium | 2066 mg | 44% | |
*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.
