Penne Delight with Sweet Peas and Spicy Sausage

$To make this tasty penne peas and sausage dish, you need a few simple ingredients. Here’s a list of what you'll need: - 12 oz penne pasta - 1 pound spicy Italian sausage, casings removed - 1 cup frozen sweet peas - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Each ingredient plays an important role. The penne pasta gives a nice bite, while the spicy Italian sausage brings heat and flavor. The sweet peas add a pop of color and sweetness. Onion and garlic build a rich base for the sauce. Heavy cream makes everything creamy, while Parmesan cheese adds depth. Olive oil adds richness and helps with cooking. Lastly, fresh basil gives a bright finish. When you gather these ingredients, you can easily create a delicious meal that impresses everyone. The key is using fresh, quality items for the best taste. Enjoy the cooking process, and remember, cooking is about exploring flavors and making them your own! {{ingredient_image_1}} To cook your penne pasta, start by boiling salted water in a large pot. Once the water is bubbling, add 12 ounces of penne pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente, which means it should be firm but cooked through. This usually takes about 10 to 12 minutes. After the pasta is cooked, do not forget to reserve one cup of the pasta water. This water holds some starch and adds flavor to your sauce. Drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. Next, let's make the sauce. In a large skillet, heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add one diced medium onion. Sauté it for about 3 to 4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Then, add two minced garlic cloves and one pound of spicy Italian sausage, removing the casings first. Break the sausage apart with a spatula as it cooks. Cook until the sausage is browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. Now, stir in one cup of frozen sweet peas. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the peas are heated through. After that, lower the heat. Pour in one cup of heavy cream and stir well. Add half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until it melts and combines smoothly. If the sauce seems too thick, slowly add in some of that reserved pasta water. This will help you reach your desired consistency. Now it's time to bring everything together. Add the cooked penne to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything gently to make sure the pasta is well coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together. Enjoy your delicious penne peas and sausage dish! You can easily change this dish to fit your taste. - Substituting sausage types: Try using chicken sausage for a lighter option. If you want more flavor, use sweet Italian sausage. For a kick, go with chorizo or a spicy sausage. - Adding vegetables: Add bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini to boost nutrition. You can even toss in some mushrooms for extra umami. Just sauté them with the onions and garlic to get the best flavor. Mastering a few cooking methods can make your dish shine. - Best methods for sautéing: Use medium heat to sauté onions and garlic. This keeps them from burning and enhances their flavor. Stir often to ensure even cooking. - Ensuring perfect pasta texture: Cook your penne until it's al dente, which means it should have a slight bite. This helps the pasta hold up when mixed with the sauce. Remember to reserve some pasta water; it helps adjust the sauce later. How you serve your dish can make a big difference. - Presentation tips: Serve the pasta in shallow bowls. Top it with fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan. A drizzle of olive oil adds a nice finish. - Suggested sides and pairings: Pair this dish with a simple green salad or garlic bread. A glass of white wine can also enhance the meal's flavors. Pro Tips Perfect Pasta: Always cook the pasta al dente. This will ensure it holds its shape and texture when mixed with the sauce. Sausage Selection: For an extra kick, use hot Italian sausage instead of spicy. Adjust the spice level according to your taste. Creamy Consistency: Gradually add the reserved pasta water to the sauce for a creamier texture, allowing you to control the thickness. Fresh Basil: Add fresh basil at the end of cooking for a burst of flavor and vibrant color in your dish. {{image_2}} To make this dish healthier, consider these options: - Using whole wheat penne: Whole wheat penne adds fiber and nutrients. It gives the pasta a nutty flavor and chewy texture. - Low-fat cream options: You can swap heavy cream for low-fat cream. This change reduces calories while still keeping it creamy. If you want a vegan version, try these ideas: - Plant-based sausage substitutes: Many brands offer plant-based sausages. They add flavor and protein without meat. - Dairy-free cream alternatives: Use coconut cream or cashew cream. These options add creaminess without dairy. You can boost the flavor of your dish with simple tweaks: - Adding spices or herbs: Try red pepper flakes for heat or Italian herbs for depth. Fresh basil adds brightness and flavor. - Incorporating different cheeses: Beyond Parmesan, consider goat cheese or feta. These cheeses bring unique tastes and creaminess to the dish. To store your Penne Peas and Sausage, first let it cool. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors fresh. You can refrigerate it for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. It can last up to three months in the freezer. Just remember to label the bags with the date! When you’re ready to eat, reheating is key. For the best results, use the stove. Place the pasta in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or cream to keep it moist. Stir it often to heat evenly. You can also use the microwave, but cover it. This keeps moisture in and prevents it from drying out. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Leftovers from this dish can last three days in the fridge. If frozen, they stay good for about three months. However, for the best taste, enjoy it within a month. Always check for off smells or changes in texture before eating. If it looks or smells strange, it’s best to toss it. How to make penne pasta al dente? To cook penne pasta al dente, follow the package instructions. Start by boiling salted water in a large pot. Add the penne and stir occasionally. Taste the pasta a minute or two before the suggested cooking time. It should be firm but not hard. Drain the pasta once it's perfect, and remember to reserve some pasta water for later. Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen? Yes, you can use fresh peas! If you choose fresh peas, cook them in boiling water for about 2-3 minutes before adding them to the dish. This will keep them bright and tender. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time in the recipe to ensure everything blends well. What are the calories in Penne Peas and Sausage? This dish has about 600 calories per serving. It includes the pasta, sausage, cream, and cheese, which all add to the richness. If you want to lower the calories, consider using less cream or cheese. You can also add more veggies to make it healthier! How many servings does this recipe make? This recipe makes four servings. It’s perfect for a family meal or a cozy dinner with friends. If you need more, you can easily double the ingredients. Enjoy the flavors and share the joy of cooking! This recipe for penne pasta with spicy sausage and peas is simple and tasty. You learned how to cook the pasta, make a creamy sauce, and mix it all together. I shared tips for customizing your dish and storing leftovers. Cooking can be fun and rewarding, plus you can make this meal your own. Enjoy trying new flavors and ingredients. This dish can be a hit at any table!$

Penne Delight with Sweet Peas and Spicy Sausage

A delicious pasta dish featuring penne, sweet peas, and spicy Italian sausage in a creamy sauce.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

12 oz penne pasta
1 pound spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
1 cup frozen sweet peas
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
to taste salt
to taste pepper
for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and spicy Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook until the sausage is browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks (about 5-7 minutes).
Once the sausage is cooked, stir in the frozen peas and cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. If the mixture is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach desired consistency.
Add the cooked penne to the skillet and toss everything together until pasta is well coated with the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Remove from heat and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve the pasta in shallow bowls, garnished with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top. Drizzle a little olive oil for a finishing touch.

Keyword creamy, pasta, quick meal, sausage