River Country Pasta

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Transport your taste buds to the rustic charm of the countryside with this River Country Pasta recipe, a hearty and flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Featuring tender penne pasta tossed in a luscious creamy Parmesan sauce, this dish is elevated with smoky slices of sausage, vibrant cherry tomatoes, and a medley of sautéed vegetables including zucchini, bell peppers, and onions. Infused with the earthy warmth of oregano and basil, every bite is a comforting balance of creamy, smoky, and fresh flavors. Quick to make in just 40 minutes, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s as satisfying as it is easy to prepare. Serve it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra Parmesan for a meal that feels like a culinary getaway to the countryside. Perfect for fans of smoky, hearty pasta dishes or creamy comfort food, this recipe will undoubtedly become a family favorite.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 min
• Cook Time: 25 min
• Total Time: 40 min
• Servings: 4 servings
• Difficulty: Medium

🥘 Ingredients

15 items

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 8 oz smoked sausage (sliced)
• 1 large yellow onion (diced)
• 1 medium red bell pepper (diced)
• 1 medium zucchini (sliced into half moons)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper

📝 Instructions

8 steps

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and zucchini. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

5. Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing them to soften.

6. Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

7. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, followed by the cooked penne pasta. Toss everything together to ensure the pasta and sausage are coated in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.

8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm. For an extra touch, add additional Parmesan cheese on top before serving.

Nutrition Facts

1 serving (477.2g)

Calories		859
% Daily Value*
Total Fat		59.2 g	76%
	Saturated Fat	29.1 g	146%
	Polyunsaturated Fat	0.0 g
Cholesterol		130 mg	43%
Sodium		1938 mg	84%
Total Carbohydrate		42.0 g	15%
	Dietary Fiber	4.8 g	17%
	Total Sugars	8.1 g
Protein		35.3 g	71%
Vitamin D		0.6 mcg	3%
Calcium		710 mg	55%
Iron		2.4 mg	13%
Potassium		638 mg	14%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 2127 cal (63.2%%)

Protein: 568 cal (16.9%%)

Carbs: 670 cal (19.9%%)