Contents
Introduction
If you’re looking for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner, One Pot Sausage Pasta is the perfect solution. This recipe combines savory Italian sausage, colorful vegetables, and spiral-shaped fusilli pasta, all cooked together in a single pot. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it’s also packed with flavor and nutrition from the added kale and peppers. Perfect for busy nights, this dish is sure to satisfy the whole family.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casing removed
1 cup diced sweet onion
2 cups marinara sauce
2 cups chicken stock
8 ounces fusilli pasta
1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
4 cups torn kale
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan
¼ cup torn basil leaves
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
This One Pot Sausage Pasta is not just a meal; it’s a hearty experience wrapped in a simple recipe. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, it proves to be an ideal choice for any culinary enthusiast looking to whip up something special with ease. Enjoy!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Heat Olive Oil
In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
Step 2: Cook Sausage and Onion
Add 1 pound of sweet Italian sausage (casing removed) and 1 cup of diced sweet onion to the pot. Cook until the sausage has browned, about 3-5 minutes, ensuring you crumble the sausage as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Step 3: Add Sauce and Stock
Stir in 2 cups of marinara sauce and 2 cups of chicken stock.
Step 4: Incorporate Pasta and Vegetables
Add 8 ounces of fusilli pasta, 1 chopped yellow bell pepper, 4 cups of torn kale, and 3 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and ¼ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Step 5: Cook the Dish
Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and cover the pot, allowing it to simmer while stirring once, until the pasta is cooked through, about 10-12 minutes.
Step 6: Finish with Parmesan
Once the pasta is ready, stir in ¼ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Step 7: Serve
Serve immediately, garnished with ¼ cup of torn basil leaves if desired.
Notes
Serving Size
This recipe yields 4 servings.
Preparation Time
The total time from start to finish is approximately 30 minutes.
Vegetable Variations
Feel free to incorporate other vegetables such as spinach or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.
Storage Instructions
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating
To reheat, warm in a saucepan over medium heat or microwave until heated through. You may need to add a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen the pasta.
Cook techniques
Sautéing
Sautéing is a cooking technique where food is cooked quickly in a small amount of oil or fat over relatively high heat. In this recipe, the Italian sausage and onion are sautéed to develop flavor and brown the sausage before adding other ingredients.
Simmering
Simmering involves cooking food gently in liquid at a temperature just below boiling. This technique helps to meld flavors while cooking the pasta evenly in the one-pot preparation.
Stirring
Stirring is essential in this recipe to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot and to ensure that all ingredients are well combined and cooked evenly.
Garnishing
Garnishing is the art of decorating a dish to enhance its visual appeal. In this recipe, fresh basil is used as a garnish to add color and fresh flavor.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute fusilli with other short pasta varieties such as penne, rotini, or macaroni, but cooking times may vary.
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Certainly! You can use other types of sausage like spicy Italian, turkey sausage, or chicken sausage depending on your preference.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can leave out the sausage and add more vegetables or protein alternatives like beans or lentils for a vegetarian version.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
You can prepare ingredients in advance, but this dish is best served fresh. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for a couple of days but may require additional liquid when reheating.
What can I substitute for kale?
You can use spinach, Swiss chard, or any leafy greens as a substitute for kale in this recipe.
Conclusion
This One Pot Sausage Pasta is not only a quick and easy dinner solution, but it also packs a punch of flavors with the combination of savory sausage, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish can be prepared in just 30 minutes, making it a family favorite that everyone will enjoy.
Spinach and Chicken Pasta
Substitute the sausage with grilled chicken and add fresh spinach for a lighter version rich in nutrients.
Mushroom and Broccoli Pasta
For a vegetarian option, replace the sausage with sautéed mushrooms and broccoli florets to create a hearty and satisfying meal.
Spicy Chorizo and Peppers Pasta
Use spicy chorizo instead of Italian sausage to add a kick and pair it with additional bell peppers for extra flavor and color.
Tomato and Zucchini Pasta
Incorporate diced tomatoes and zucchini for a summery variation that’s packed with fresh produce.
Seafood Pasta
Replace sausage with shrimp or scallops, and add some lemon zest for a refreshing seafood twist that elevates the dish.
Cheesy Spinach and Artichoke Pasta
Mix in cream cheese and artichoke hearts along with the kale for a creamy and indulgent flavor profile reminiscent of classic spinach-artichoke dip.
