Sausage Pesto Pasta Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting, flavor-packed dinner that feels as special on a weeknight as it does at your next dinner party, Sausage Pesto Pasta is calling your name! Picture golden, seared sausage mingling with tender pasta, vibrant veggies, and the freshest herby pesto, all nestled under a snowy dusting of parmesan. Trust me, once you try it, this will quickly become one of those “repeat-request” meals in your house.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s nothing fancy here—just good, honest ingredients that come together to create pure magic in your bowl. Each adds its own character: juicy sausage for bite and richness, brightly colored veggies for freshness and crunch, and zesty pesto to tie it all together. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 8 ounces uncooked DeLallo Casarecce Pasta: Casarecce gives this dish beautiful texture and holds the sauce in every twist, but you can substitute with another short-cut pasta if you wish.
• 11 ounces Italian sausage, crumbled: Go for a mild or spicy sausage, depending on your taste. Removing the casings lets you incorporate all those lovely flavors right into the sauce.
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped: The humble onion starts the flavor base and softens gently, bringing subtle sweetness.
• 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced: These add earthy richness and heartiness—the perfect balance to the sausage.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses every bite with warmth (don’t skip it!).
• 1 cup little tomatoes (grape or cherry), halved: These pop with juiciness and bring color and freshness to the mix.
• 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped small: Adds gentle crunch and a gorgeous sweet note.
• 1/2 cup chicken broth: This helps make our sauce lush and just the right amount of savory.
• 1/4 cup DeLallo Simply Pesto: The star that makes it sing with basil-infused flavor—use your favorite jarred pesto or homemade!
• Salt & pepper, to taste: Balances and heightens all the flavors.
• Freshly grated parmesan & chopped parsley (for garnish): Optional, but let’s be real… highly recommended for a final flourish!

Variations

Sausage Pesto Pasta is incredibly flexible, so don’t hesitate to get creative! Here are a few ways to adapt the recipe based on what you have or what you’re craving. Mix and match until you find your perfect bowl.

• Go vegetarian: Swap the sausage for roasted chickpeas or crumbled plant-based sausage. You’ll still get all the cozy, herby flavors!
• Add greens: Toss in a couple handfuls of fresh spinach or baby kale at the end for extra color and nutrients—they’ll wilt beautifully into the hot sauce.
• Switch up the veggies: Try zucchini, asparagus, or sun-dried tomatoes if you want to clean out the fridge or add a new twist.
• Try a different pasta shape: Penne, rotini, fusilli, or even rigatoni work wonderfully if you can’t find casarecce.

How to Make Sausage Pesto Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and drop in your casarecce pasta. Cook until al dente—about 8 minutes. Don’t forget to reserve a splash of the starchy pasta water before draining; it will help make the sauce irresistibly glossy later on.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high. Remove the sausage from its casings and crumble it straight into the pan. Stir often and let it get wonderfully browned—this is where so much flavor builds. Once cooked through, transfer to a plate and keep the flavorful drippings in the pan.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

Add your mushrooms and onions to the skillet with the sausage drippings (add a little olive oil if the pan’s dry). Give them time to soften and get beautifully seared—about 5-6 minutes. When fragrant and golden, stir in the garlic and let it sizzle for 30 seconds.

Step 4: Simmer with Broth and Tomatoes

Toss in the halved tomatoes, bell pepper, chicken broth, and your cooked sausage. Reduce the heat and let everything simmer for about 5 minutes. The tomatoes will release their juices, and the broth will gently reduce, becoming more flavorful and concentrated.

Step 5: Stir in the Pesto and Combine

Take the skillet off the heat and stir in your pesto (make sure to stir the jar first!). Add a couple tablespoons of reserved pasta water, then toss the drained pasta with your glorious sausage-pesto sauce. Give it a taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Spoon the Sausage Pesto Pasta onto plates or a big serving dish. Shower with freshly grated parmesan and a scatter of chopped parsley for that little chef’s kiss—you’re ready to eat!

How to Serve Sausage Pesto Pasta

Garnishes

Nothing finishes Sausage Pesto Pasta quite like a generous flourish of freshly grated parmesan. Try a pinch of chopped parsley or torn basil for freshness, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a gentle heat. A drizzle of good olive oil elevates everything, too!

Side Dishes

For a full Italian-inspired spread, serve this pasta with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up every drop of sauce. Roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus make lovely additions for bigger appetites.

Creative Ways to Present

For a chic dinner, pile Sausage Pesto Pasta onto a big platter, swirl the noodles artfully, and tuck the veggies and sausage all around. Individual pasta bowls with a little nest of noodles and a Parmesan crisp on top feel extra fancy—add edible flowers or microgreens if you’re feeling playful!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftover Sausage Pesto Pasta cool, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, making your next meal even more delicious.

Freezing

You can freeze the pasta and sauce together, but for the best texture, consider freezing just the sauce and cooking fresh pasta when serving. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat Sausage Pesto Pasta on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Stir as it warms so everything gets evenly heated and glossy again.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try this Sausage Pesto Pasta—it’s the kind of meal that feels like a big, warm hug after a busy day. Shake up your pasta night and let these flavors shine in your own kitchen. Share it with family, friends, or just treat yourself… either way, you’re in for something seriously tasty!

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