Introduction
This farfalle pasta dish is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, featuring savory Italian sausage, fresh asparagus, and creamy burrata cheese. The combination of hearty pasta and vibrant vegetables creates a delicious meal perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress.
Ingredients
1 pound farfalle pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 sweet onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 pound asparagus spears, trimmed and cut into thirds
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
8 ounces burrata cheese
Crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Total Time
40 minutes
Yield
Serves 4-6
Directions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the farfalle pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon. Cook until browned and crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer the cooked sausage to a plate, leaving any rendered fat in the skillet.
3. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Add the asparagus pieces to the skillet and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
5. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and about ½ cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together over low heat, adding more pasta water if needed to create a light sauce.
6. Remove the skillet from the heat. Tear the burrata into pieces and gently fold it into the pasta until it begins to melt. Sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top and toss to combine.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Serve immediately, garnished with a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for added heat, if desired.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the farfalle pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon. Cook until browned and crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer the cooked sausage to a plate, leaving any rendered fat in the skillet.
Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Cook the Asparagus
Add the asparagus pieces to the skillet and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and about ½ cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together over low heat, adding more pasta water if needed to create a light sauce.
Step 6: Add Burrata and Cheese
Remove the skillet from the heat. Tear the burrata into pieces and gently fold it into the pasta until it begins to melt. Sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top and toss to combine.
Step 7: Season and Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Serve immediately, garnished with a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for added heat if desired.
Notes
Note 1: Pasta Al Dente
Make sure to cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when you combine it with the other ingredients.
Note 2: Sausage Type
You can use either sweet or hot Italian sausage based on your taste preference.
Note 3: Burrata Handling
Burrata is delicate; handle it gently to maintain its creamy interior.
Note 4: Adjusting Sauce Consistency
Adjust the amount of reserved pasta water as needed to achieve the desired sauce consistency.
Note 5: Spice Level
Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to control the spice level to your liking.
Cook techniques
Boiling Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil before adding the farfalle pasta. This ensures that the pasta cooks evenly and prevents it from becoming sticky.
Cooking Italian Sausage
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and break it into small pieces as it cooks. This method allows the sausage to brown and develop a crispy texture.
Sautéing Vegetables
Use the same skillet to sauté diced onions and minced garlic after cooking the sausage. Cooking these ingredients until softened enhances their flavors, making them aromatic and flavorful.
Stir-Frying Asparagus
Add asparagus pieces to the sautéed onions and garlic, cooking them until tender. This quick stir-fry method retains the vibrant color and crunch of the asparagus.
Tossing Ingredients Together
Combine the cooked sausage, drained pasta, and reserved pasta water in the skillet over low heat. This technique allows the ingredients to meld, creating a cohesive dish.
Incorporating Burrata Cheese
Remove the skillet from heat and gently fold torn burrata into the pasta. This method allows the cheese to melt slightly and integrate creamy textures into the dish.
Finishing with Parmesan
Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and toss to combine. This adds richness and enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute farfalle with any pasta shape you prefer, but cooking times may vary.
What if I can’t find burrata cheese?
If burrata is unavailable, you can use fresh mozzarella or ricotta as a substitute for a slightly different texture.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
You can omit the Italian sausage and replace it with a plant-based sausage or additional vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the components in advance and combine them just before serving to keep the pasta and cheeses from drying out.
What can I serve with this pasta dish?
This pasta pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Conclusion
This farfalle pasta dish with Italian sausage and burrata cheese offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it an ideal meal for any occasion. The combination of hearty sausage, crisp asparagus, and creamy burrata creates a satisfying and comforting plate, perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Asparagus and Lemon Pasta
Replace the sausage with grilled chicken, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and garnish with lemon zest for a light and refreshing summer dish.
Pasta Primavera
Incorporate a variety of seasonal vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes for a vibrant and colorful pasta primavera that’s equally delicious.
Spicy Sausage and Arugula Pasta
Add a handful of fresh arugula at the end of cooking for a peppery kick and further depth of flavor, along with an extra sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes.
Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Pasta
Swap the asparagus with sautéed mushrooms and spinach, then incorporate a splash of cream or a vegan alternative for a rich and indulgent pasta dish.
Caprese Pasta Salad
Transform the dish into a pasta salad by cooling it down and adding cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar for a perfect side dish at parties.
