Introduction
This hearty pasta dish is a delightful mix of flavors and textures, perfect for a comforting meal. With the choice of higher-welfare pork sausages or veggie sausages, it caters to different dietary preferences. The addition of chickpeas increases the protein content, while the rich plum tomatoes create a luscious sauce to coat the pasta.
Ingredients
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
40 minutes
Total Time
55 minutes
Yield
Serves 4
This dish not only satisfies the taste buds but also provides a nutritional boost, making it a wonderful option for family dinners or meal prep. Enjoy the rich flavors and comforting textures as you serve this delightful pasta dish.
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, and 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 Vegetables and Seasoning
Pick and roughly chop the rosemary leaves, and peel and finely slice the garlic. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of oil into the pan, then add the chopped mixed vegetables, rosemary, and garlic. Season to perfection, then mash everything together with a masher and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
Step 3: Incorporate Chickpeas and Tomatoes
Pour in the chickpeas, juice and all, and scrunch in the tomatoes along with 1 tin’s worth of water, mashing everything up until fine. Bring to the boil, then reduce to a medium-low heat and simmer for 30 minutes, until thick and delicious, mashing everything up with a potato masher.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
When the sauce has around 12 minutes remaining, cook the pasta in a pan of boiling salted water according to the packet instructions, then drain, reserving a mugful of the starchy cooking water.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, adding splashes of the reserved water to loosen if needed, then divide between bowls. Grate over a little Parmesan and drizzle with a little olive oil, if you like, and serve.
Notes
Note 1: Sausage Options
You can use either higher-welfare pork sausages or veggie sausages based on your preference.
Note 2: Vegetable Mix
Feel free to use fresh or frozen chopped mixed onion, carrot, and celery for convenience.
Note 3: Adjusting Consistency
If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta cooking water to achieve the desired consistency.
Note 4: Serving Suggestion
Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a nice flavor to the dish when grated on top before serving.
Cook techniques
Sausage Cooking
Squeeze sausage meat out of the skins into a pan for frying, or slice veggie sausages and fry until golden and crispy.
Chopping Aromatics
Pick and chop rosemary, and finely slice garlic to enhance the flavor profile of the dish.
Vegetable Sautéing
Drizzle olive oil into the pan, add mixed chopped vegetables, rosemary, and garlic. Mash and cook until softened.
Combining Ingredients
Pour in chickpeas and crushed tomatoes, mixing in water to create a consistent sauce, and simmer until thickened.
Pasta Cooking
Cook pasta in salted boiling water as per package instructions; reserve starchy water for adjusting sauce consistency.
Tossing Pasta
Combine cooked pasta with the sauce, using reserved water to achieve desired texture before serving.
Serving
Divide the dish into bowls, optionally top with grated Parmesan cheese, and drizzle with olive oil for added richness.
FAQ
Can I use other types of sausages?
Yes, feel free to substitute any type of sausage or use a plant-based alternative.
What if I don’t have rosemary?
Fennel seeds may be used as a substitute for rosemary to add a different flavor.
Is it necessary to mash the ingredients together?
Mashing helps to blend flavors and create a smoother sauce, but you can skip it if you prefer a chunkier texture.
Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?
Yes, dried chickpeas can be used, but they will need to be soaked and cooked separately before adding to the dish.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, this dish can be frozen in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
Conclusion
This hearty pasta dish combines delicious flavors and nutritious ingredients, making it a wholesome meal that can be enjoyed by all. With the savory notes from the sausages and the freshness of the mixed vegetables, it certainly satisfies both taste and sustenance. The addition of chickpeas and tomatoes enriches the sauce, while the optional Parmesan brings a delightful finishing touch. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy evening at home!
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chickpea Curry
Combine chickpeas with coconut milk, curry powder, spinach, and bell peppers for a comforting and spicy dish served over rice.
Pasta Primavera
Mix cooked pasta with seasonal vegetables like asparagus, bell peppers, and zucchini, tossed in olive oil and garlic for a fresh, light meal.
Sausage and Peppers
Sauté sliced sausages with bell peppers and onions, serve in a crusty roll or alongside polenta for a satisfying dish.
Vegetable Soup
Simmer chopped vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, and greens in vegetable broth with herbs for a warming and nutritious soup.
Garlic and Rosemary Roasted Potatoes
Toss baby potatoes with olive oil, garlic, and rosemary, then roast until golden and crispy for a perfect side dish.
