Sausage and Pea Pasta with Parmesan Recipe
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
12 oz rigatoni or short pasta of your choice
1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed (mild or hot)
1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for creaminess)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
1/2 cup chicken broth (optional, for extra sauciness)
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta:
Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions.
Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
Cook the Sausage:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through (about 7-8 minutes).
Remove from skillet and set aside.
Cook Garlic and Peas:
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
Add peas and cook until tender (about 2-3 minutes).
Combine and Make Sauce:
Return sausage to skillet. Add heavy cream, chicken broth (if using), and Parmesan cheese.
Stir to combine and simmer for about 5 minutes until sauce slightly thickens.
Add Pasta:
Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat in the creamy sauce.
If needed, add reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
Serve:
Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
Serve hot and enjoy!