Are you craving a comforting yet flavorful dinner that's ready in a flash? Look no further! This Hillshire Farms Smoked Sausage and Pasta recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. It's an easy recipe, packed with deliciousness, and requires minimal cleanup – making it a winner in our book! This healthy meal is also incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it to your taste preferences. Get ready to enjoy a homemade cooking experience that's both satisfying and simple.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Hillshire Farms Smoked Sausage (your favorite variety)
- 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Sausage: Slice the Hillshire Farms Smoked Sausage into 1/2-inch thick rounds. This ensures even cooking and distribution of flavor throughout the dish.
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Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining; this is crucial for creating a creamy sauce.
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Sauté the Aromatics: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Brown the Sausage: Add the sliced Hillshire Farms Smoked Sausage to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides. This step adds depth of flavor to the entire dish.
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Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes (undrained), oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
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Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sausage and sauce. Toss to coat evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips for Success:
- Spice it up: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce.
- Add Veggies: Enhance the nutritional value and flavor by adding other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the sauce.
- Cheese Please: Experiment with different cheeses! Mozzarella, provolone, or a blend of Italian cheeses would be delicious additions.
- Make it Creamy: For a richer sauce, stir in a dollop of cream cheese or heavy cream at the end of cooking.
Variations:
- Creamy Tomato Sausage Pasta: Add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce for a creamy twist.
- Spicy Sausage Pasta: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the Hillshire Farms Smoked Sausage with plant-based sausage for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 50-60g
This quick dinner idea is perfect for busy weeknights and offers a delicious and satisfying meal the whole family will enjoy. The best recipes are often the simplest, and this one definitely fits the bill! Enjoy!