Italian Sausage and Mushroom Pasta
What Started it all:
mushrooms, pasta, italian sausage
This delightful Italian-inspired pasta dish combines the earthy flavors of mushrooms with the savory richness of Italian sausage. It’s a hearty meal perfect for any night of the week, and it can be whipped up in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (your choice: penne, spaghetti, or fettuccine)
- 1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy, according to your preference)
- 8 oz (225 g) mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini work well)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, sautéing for another 5 minutes until the mushrooms are tender.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Mix with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the noodles in the sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Divide the pasta among four plates, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley and additional Parmesan if desired.
This Italian Sausage and Mushroom Pasta is not only delicious but also quick and easy to prepare. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it brings comfort and flavor to your table. Enjoy your culinary creation!