Introduction
This hearty dish combines the rich flavors of pork or veggie sausages with aromatic herbs and a robust tomato base. The addition of chickpeas adds protein and depth, while pasta shells provide a delightful texture. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, this recipe is both simple and satisfying.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
4 higher-welfare pork sausages or veggie sausages
4 sprigs of rosemary or 2 teaspoons fennel seeds
2 cloves of garlic
Olive oil
320g fresh or frozen chopped mixed onion, carrot, and celery
1 x 400g tin of chickpeas
2 x 400g tins of quality plum tomatoes
450g pasta shells
Optional: Parmesan cheese, for grating
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: Serves 4-6
Get ready to enjoy a delicious and comforting meal with this easy-to-follow recipe!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sausages
Place a large shallow casserole pan on medium-high heat. Squeeze the sausage meat out of the skins into the pan, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Fry until lightly golden, stirring regularly. If using veggie sausages, roughly slice and fry in 1 tablespoon of olive oil until golden and crispy.
Step 2: Add Aromatics
Pick and roughly chop the rosemary leaves, then peel and finely slice the garlic. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil into the pan, then add the chopped mixed vegetables, rosemary, and garlic. Season to taste, then mash everything together with a masher. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened.
Step 3: Incorporate Chickpeas and Tomatoes
Pour in the chickpeas, including their juice, and scrunch in the tomatoes along with 1 tin’s worth of water. Mash everything together until fine. Bring to the boil, then reduce to medium-low heat and simmer for 30 minutes, mashing occasionally until the mixture thickens.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
When the sauce has about 12 minutes remaining, cook the pasta in a separate pan of boiling salted water according to the packet instructions. Drain the pasta and reserve a mugful of the starchy cooking water.
Step 5: Combine Pasta with Sauce
Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, adding splashes of the reserved water to loosen the mixture if necessary. Divide the pasta and sauce between bowls.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Grate over a little Parmesan cheese and drizzle with olive oil, if desired, then serve.
Notes
Ingredient Substitutions
Feel free to use either higher-welfare pork sausages or veggie sausages based on dietary preferences.
Herb Alternatives
If you don’t have rosemary, you can substitute it with 2 teaspoons of fennel seeds for a different flavor profile.
Storage Suggestions
Leftover pasta and sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with a side salad or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Cook techniques
Frying Sausages
Squeeze the sausage meat from the skins and fry it in a pan over medium-high heat until lightly golden. For veggie sausages, slice and fry until crispy.
Chopping and Sautéing
Pick and chop the rosemary, and finely slice the garlic. Drizzle olive oil into the pan, and add mixed vegetables along with the herbs and garlic. Sauté until softened.
Mashing Ingredients
Use a masher to blend the vegetables with the chickpeas and tomatoes in the pan, creating a thick sauce. Mash until fine for a smoother consistency.
Cooking Pasta
Boil salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve some starchy water before draining.
Combining Pasta and Sauce
Toss the drained pasta into the sauce, adding reserved cooking water as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
Serving
Divide the pasta and sauce among bowls. Optionally, grate Parmesan cheese on top and drizzle with olive oil before serving.
FAQ
Can I use other types of sausage?
Yes, feel free to use any type of sausage you prefer, including chicken, turkey, or plant-based alternatives.
What can I substitute for chickpeas?
You can replace chickpeas with other beans, such as cannellini or navy beans, depending on your preference.
Is it necessary to use fresh vegetables?
No, you can use frozen mixed vegetables if fresh ones are not available. Just ensure they are cooked until soft.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute the pasta shells with any pasta shape you like, just adjust cooking time accordingly.
How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Conclusion
This hearty sausage and chickpea pasta dish combines rich flavors and a nutritious profile, offering a satisfying meal for any occasion. The use of fresh ingredients like rosemary and garlic elevates the taste, while the chickpeas provide a protein boost, making this dish both delicious and wholesome. The optional Parmesan adds an extra depth of flavor, making it a delightful comfort food choice.
More recipe suggestions and combination
Spicy Chickpea and Spinach Stew
Combine chickpeas with fresh spinach, diced tomatoes, and spices like cumin and cayenne for a warming stew.
Pasta Primavera
Toss the pasta with seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus, along with a drizzle of olive oil.
Herbed Quinoa Salad
Mix quinoa with chopped fresh herbs, diced tomatoes, cucumbers, and a lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing side dish.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Fill bell peppers with a mixture of cooked rice, chickpeas, diced vegetables, and spices, then bake until tender.
Garlic Butter Shrimp
Sauté shrimp with garlic and butter, then toss with pasta for a quick and flavorful dish.
Veggie Stir-Fry
Stir-fry mixed vegetables with soy sauce and serve over rice or noodles for a simple and healthy meal.
Parmesan Risotto
Prepare creamy risotto and finish with grated Parmesan cheese and seasonal vegetables for a comforting dish.
