Are you craving a delicious and satisfying meal that won't keep you stuck in the kitchen all evening? Then look no further! This Johnsonville Sausage Pasta recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. It's packed with flavor, incredibly easy to make, and requires minimal cleanup – a triple win in my book! This recipe is a perfect example of healthy meals that don't sacrifice taste, offering a simple yet impressive homemade cooking experience. Get ready to elevate your pasta night!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Johnsonville Italian Sausage (sweet or hot, your choice!)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 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
- 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Brown the Sausage: Remove the sausage from its casings and brown it in a large skillet over medium heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. This step builds a delicious flavor base for your sauce.
- Sauté Aromatics: Once the sausage is browned, remove it from the skillet and set aside. Add the olive oil to the skillet and sauté the onion until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor becomes.
- Combine and Cook Pasta: Add the cooked sausage back to the sauce. Meanwhile, cook your pasta according to package directions.
- Toss and Serve: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it to the skillet with the sauce and sausage. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated. Stir in the Parmesan cheese.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Tips & Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce for extra heat.
- Veggie boost: Add chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the sauce along with the onions and garlic for a more nutritious and flavorful meal.
- Creamy version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
- Protein power-up: Add cooked chicken or chickpeas for extra protein.
- Cheese it up: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, provolone, or ricotta.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the type of sausage and pasta used, but a general estimate is around 400-500 calories, 20-25g of fat, and 25-30g of protein.
This easy recipe makes a delicious and satisfying meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. It's versatile, adaptable to your preferences, and sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!