Introduction
If you’re looking for a comforting and hearty dish that combines the flavors of Italian sausage, pasta, and fresh vegetables, this recipe is perfect for you. Using simple ingredients, you can create a delicious one-pot meal that’s ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. The combination of sausage, marinara, and kale adds not only flavor but also a nutritious touch to your table.
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: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Enjoy this delightful dish, bursting with flavors that will make your taste buds dance. Serve it hot, garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmesan for those who want a little more cheese!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Sausage and Onion
Heat olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sweet Italian sausage and diced onion; cook until the sausage has browned, about 3-5 minutes, crumbling the sausage as it cooks. After browning, drain any excess fat from the pot.
Step 2: Add Remaining Ingredients
Stir in the marinara sauce, chicken stock, fusilli pasta, chopped yellow bell pepper, torn kale, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Season the mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Step 3: Cook the Mixture
Bring the pot contents to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer the mixture covered, stirring once during the cooking time, until the pasta is cooked through, about 10-12 minutes. After the pasta is ready, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Step 4: Serve the Dish
Serve the dish immediately, garnished with torn basil leaves if desired.
Notes
Note 1: Variations
Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or substituting different types of pasta.
Note 2: Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Note 3: Spice Level
Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes according to your preference for heat. Omitting it will make the dish milder.
Note 4: Freshness
For the best flavor, use fresh ingredients, especially the herbs and vegetables.
Cook techniques
Sautéing
Sautéing is a cooking method where food is cooked in a small amount of oil or fat over relatively high heat. In this recipe, the olive oil is heated in a large pot, and the Italian sausage and onion are cooked until the sausage is browned. This step adds depth of flavor through browning.
Simmering
Simmering involves cooking food in liquid at a temperature just below boiling. After adding the marinara sauce, chicken stock, pasta, and other ingredients, the mixture is brought to a boil and then simmered. This allows the flavors to meld and the pasta to cook through.
Seasoning
Proper seasoning is essential in cooking to enhance the flavor of the dish. In this recipe, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes are added to balance the flavors and add depth.
Garnishing
Garnishing is the process of adding finishing touches to a dish for presentation. The torn basil leaves are added as a garnish before serving, providing a fresh flavor and attractive visual appeal.
Grating
Grating is a technique used to finely shred cheese or other solid foods. In this recipe, freshly grated Parmesan cheese is stirred in at the end, ensuring it melts slightly and distributes evenly throughout the dish.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, you can substitute sweet Italian sausage with other types of sausage or even ground meat, such as turkey or chicken, based on your preferences.
What can I use instead of kale?
If you don’t have kale, you can use other leafy greens like spinach or Swiss chard as a substitute.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta in place of fusilli to make the dish gluten-free.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to include other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to enhance the nutritional profile and flavor.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a pot over low heat, adding a little water or broth to loosen the sauce as needed.
Conclusion
This hearty and flavorful dish combines the richness of sweet Italian sausage with the freshness of vegetables and the comfort of pasta. The blend of marinara sauce, chicken stock, and spices creates a delightful meal perfect for any occasion. Serve it garnished with fresh basil and Parmesan for an added touch of flavor.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetarian Alternative
Swap the sausage for a plant-based sausage or a mix of mushrooms and lentils for a satisfying vegetarian version of this dish.
Spicy Variation
Increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add sliced jalapeños for those who enjoy a spicier kick.
Seasonal Veggie Twist
Incorporate seasonal vegetables like zucchini and asparagus to enhance the nutritional value and flavor profile.
Cheesy Bake
After cooking, transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with additional cheese, and bake until golden and bubbly for a delicious baked pasta dish.
One-Pot Seafood Option
Replace the sausage with shrimp or scallops, adding them towards the end of cooking for a quick and elegant seafood pasta.
Herb-Infused Variations
Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary in addition to or instead of Italian seasoning for a unique flavor twist.
Grains Swap
Substitute fusilli pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to cater to different dietary preferences while keeping the dish wholesome.
