Hey there, food lovers! If you’re in the mood for a pasta dish that’s packed with flavor and oh-so-easy to make, this Red Pesto Sausage Pasta is your new best friend. With savory sausages, creamy red pesto, and a touch of seasoning, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s the perfect way to try out those fun new pasta shapes you’ve picked up! Let’s dive right in and get cooking!
Method
1. Cook the Sausages and Onions
Start by heating a small amount of olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the finely diced onion and sauté it for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and becomes slightly translucent. Next, add the sausages, breaking them apart with your spoon or spatula into small, bite-sized pieces. Continue stirring the sausages as they cook, ensuring they brown evenly and cook through completely. This step is crucial for getting the sausages to have a rich, crispy texture on the outside while remaining juicy inside.
2. Boil the Pasta
While the sausages and onions are cooking, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water to help season the pasta as it cooks. Once the water is boiling, add your uncooked pasta and cook it according to the instructions on the package. Depending on the type of pasta you’re using, this usually takes around 8-12 minutes. Once the pasta is cooked to al dente perfection, don’t forget to save a ladleful of pasta water to use later in the sauce. This extra pasta water will help thicken the sauce and bind the flavors together.
3. Mix the Flavors
After the sausages have browned and the onions have softened, it’s time to add the seasonings. Sprinkle in the garlic Italian seasoning, basil, and paprika, stirring everything together to evenly coat the sausages and onions in the spices. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once the seasonings are well-mixed, add in the tomato purée and red pesto. Stir until the sauce is smooth and all the ingredients are combined. Pour in the single cream and stir once more. If the sauce feels too thick, add some reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
4. Combine Everything
Now that the sauce is ready, it’s time to bring everything together. Add your cooked pasta to the frying pan with the sauce. Toss the pasta gently to ensure every piece is coated in the creamy, flavorful sauce. If the sauce needs thinning, you can add more pasta water, a spoonful at a time, until it reaches the perfect creamy consistency. This step is key to ensuring the pasta and sauce meld together for the ultimate flavor experience.
5. Serve It Up
Once the pasta and sauce are fully combined, it’s time to serve. Dish out your pasta onto plates and top it off with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped basil and parsley for a burst of freshness and color. The herbs not only add visual appeal but also enhance the flavor profile, making this dish even more delicious. Serve it hot, and enjoy the vibrant, satisfying flavors of your Red Pesto Sausage Pasta!
Necessary Tools
- Large saucepan for pasta
- Frying pan for cooking sausages and onions
- Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
- Ladle for pasta water
- Knife and chopping board for chopping onion
Red Pesto Sausage Pasta A Flavorful Twist on Classic Pasta Dishes
Cuisine: Italian, AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes20
minutes30
minutesIngredients
300g uncooked pasta
A spray of olive oil
1 onion, finely diced
6 sausages (400g Heck, or your favorite brand)
1 tsp garlic Italian seasoning
1 tsp basil
1 tsp paprika
Salt & pepper (to taste)
1 tbsp tomato purée
40g reduced-fat red pesto
75ml single cream
Directions
- Cook the sausages and onions Start by heating a bit of olive oil in a frying pan. Add the diced onion and cook for a couple of minutes until it softens. Next, add the sausages, breaking them apart into small pieces as they cook. Keep stirring until they’re fully cooked and browned.
- Boil the pasta While the sausages and onions are cooking, bring a separate pot of water to a boil and add your pasta. Cook it according to the instructions on the package. Don’t forget to save a ladleful of pasta water for later!
- Mix the flavors Once the sausages are ready, add in your garlic Italian seasoning, basil, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to combine. Now, pour in the tomato purée and red pesto. Mix everything together, then add the single cream and a little pasta water to thin it out.
- Combine everything Once the sauce has thickened up a bit, toss in your cooked pasta. Stir it all together, adding more pasta water if needed until you reach your desired consistency.
- Serve it up Top with freshly chopped basil and parsley for a burst of freshness!
Notes
- Make sure to stir the sausages frequently so they don’t burn or stick to the pan. Breaking them up into smaller pieces helps them cook evenly.
- When adding the pasta water to your sauce, start with a small amount. You can always add more, but it’s better to go slow and adjust as needed.
- If you’re using a thicker pasta like penne or rigatoni, you might need a little more sauce to coat the pasta, so don’t hesitate to add a bit more cream or pesto if needed!
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Red Pesto Sausage Pasta with a light side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. This dish pairs wonderfully with a glass of chilled white wine if you’re feeling fancy!
Fun Fact
Did you know that pesto originated from Italy, where it was traditionally made using mortar and pestle (hence the name)? Now, with all sorts of varieties like red pesto, it’s become a beloved topping for all kinds of dishes worldwide.
Conclusion
This Red Pesto Sausage Pasta is an absolute winner! It’s quick, flavorful, and easy enough for a weeknight dinner but delicious enough to impress your guests. Whether you’re trying new pasta shapes or just want a tasty twist on a classic, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. Enjoy!
