Are you craving a delicious, comforting meal that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This smoked sausage and pasta recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. It's an easy recipe, packed with flavor, and surprisingly healthy. This recipe is a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest, offering a delicious dish without requiring hours in the kitchen. It's one of the best recipes for a quick dinner, perfect for those seeking healthy meals without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound smoked sausage (andouille, kielbasa, or your favorite!), sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 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 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 pound pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape)
- ½ cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
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Sauté the Sausage and Vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
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Build the Sauce: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld.
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Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta and the browned smoked sausage to the sauce. Toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Garnish and Enjoy: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley, if desired.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the sauce. Add them along with the onions.
- Creamy version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or crème fraîche at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
- Vegetarian option: Substitute the smoked sausage with plant-based sausage for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Different pasta shapes: Experiment with different pasta shapes like farfalle, fusilli, or rotini.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: Approximately 20-25g
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 50-60g
This smoked sausage and pasta recipe is a quick, easy, and delicious meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight. It's a versatile recipe that can be easily adapted to your taste preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy!