Sausage Pesto Pasta Recipe

Sausage Pesto Pasta brings together tender pasta, savory Italian sausage, earthy mushrooms, and a swirl of vibrant pesto for a meal that’s both comforting and full of lively, fresh flavor. It’s the kind of dish you’ll crave on a busy weeknight but love serving to guests just as much—it’s downright irresistible!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in Sausage Pesto Pasta plays a starring role—there’s not a single “afterthought” here! You’ll find each one brings something essential: lushness, brightness, or that cozy, savory depth only a pasta night can provide.

• DeLallo Casarecce Pasta (8 ounces): This signature twisted pasta catches the sauce perfectly—feel free to substitute penne or rotini if needed.
• Italian Sausages (11 ounces, crumbled): Go for a spicy or sweet variety based on your mood; removing the casing lets all that flavor break into every bite.
• Yellow Onion (1/2 medium, chopped): The start of something wonderful—onion adds foundational sweetness and aroma.
• Cremini Mushrooms (8 ounces, sliced): Their meaty texture and earthy flavor deepen the entire dish.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Fresh is key! Just a quick sauté brings out its irresistible perfume.
• Little Tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Cherry or grape tomatoes burst with juiciness, adding pops of bright flavor and color.
• Red Bell Pepper (1/2, chopped): This gives gentle sweetness and a dash of crimson throughout.
• Chicken Broth (1/2 cup): Just enough to develop a savory sauce that ties everything together.
• DeLallo Simply Pesto (1/4 cup): Rich, herby basil pesto swirls in for that signature pop and creaminess.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for dialing in the seasoning at the very end.
• Freshly Grated Parmesan & Chopped Parsley (for garnish): Totally optional, but they add a final touch of flavor and a little bit of flair!

Variations

One of the best things about Sausage Pesto Pasta is how inviting it is to experimentation. Whether you have dietary preferences, a fridge full of veggies, or just love changing things up, this is a pasta you can truly make your own.

• Swap Sausage Types: Try turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner twist, or even plant-based sausage for a satisfying vegetarian option.
• Add Greens: Toss in a big handful of baby spinach or kale right before stirring in the pesto for bonus nutrition and color.
• Different Veggies: Use zucchini, artichoke hearts, or roasted red peppers for new flavors and textures—the recipe is beautifully flexible.
• Alternative Pesto: Feel free to use sun-dried tomato pesto or even a walnut-parsley pesto if you want to put a fun spin on the classic.

How to Make Sausage Pesto Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil—think of it as your spa for the casarecce! Cook the pasta until just al dente, which should take about 8 minutes. That tender, toothsome texture will soak up the sausage pesto sauce perfectly.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

While your pasta bubbles away, remove the sausage from its casings and crumble it into a deep skillet. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking it up as you go, until it’s beautifully browned and crispy in spots (about 5-7 minutes). Then, transfer to a plate—don’t wipe out the pan!

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the onions and sliced cremini mushrooms to the pan with the leftover sausage drippings (or a splash of olive oil if needed). Sauté until the mushrooms give off their water and both the onions and mushrooms start to caramelize, about 5-6 minutes. That golden goodness makes all the difference.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Add the minced garlic and cook it for just 30 seconds to bring out its aroma—don’t let it burn! Toss in the halved tomatoes, chopped red pepper, chicken broth, and your browned sausage. Reduce the heat to medium, and let it all marry and reduce for about 5 minutes, until the tomatoes soften and the broth thickens slightly.

Step 5: Swirl in Pesto and Combine

Stir in the pesto (give the jar a good mix first!), take the pan off the heat, and let that herby aroma sweep through your kitchen. Before draining the pasta, reserve a couple tablespoons of its cooking water. Use this to loosen the sauce, if needed, then toss the drained pasta with your sausage pesto mixture. Taste, adjust with salt and pepper, and finish with parmesan and parsley if you like.

How to Serve Sausage Pesto Pasta

Garnishes

Don’t skip the finishing touches—a generous shower of freshly grated parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped parsley make your Sausage Pesto Pasta pop with flavor and color. Lemon zest or a drizzle of olive oil never hurt, either, especially if you’re feeling fancy!

Side Dishes

This dish loves company: A crisp, lemony green salad is a classic pairing, and some warm, crusty bread is just perfect for scooping up every last drop of that pesto-laced sauce. Roasted asparagus or broccolini on the side adds an elegant, seasonal note.

Creative Ways to Present

For a memorable presentation, I love serving Sausage Pesto Pasta right in the skillet at the table for an Italian trattoria vibe. Or, twirl portions into shallow bowls, top with parmesan shards, and tuck in a fresh basil sprig for a restaurant-worthy touch. Mini portions in ramekins even make adorable appetizers at parties!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers of Sausage Pesto Pasta keep quite well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors become even more richly melded overnight—just keep any garnishes separate until you’re ready to reheat and serve.

Freezing

If you want to freeze your pasta for later, let it cool completely and store individual portions in freezer-safe containers. While the texture of the pasta may soften a bit after thawing, the flavors stay remarkable. For best quality, enjoy within a month and avoid freezing the garnishes.

Reheating

Reheat Sausage Pesto Pasta gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Microwave reheating works in a pinch, but the stovetop ensures the best texture and flavor—just don’t overcook, or the pasta may turn mushy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Sausage Pesto Pasta is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of simple ingredients coming together into something truly special. I hope you love every bright, herby, hearty bite as much as I do. Give it a try and don’t forget to share the joy (and maybe a second helping!) with those you love most.

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