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Saucy Sausage and Lemon Pasta

Saucy Sausage and Lemon Pasta: A Creamy Weeknight Delight

This Saucy Sausage and Lemon Pasta combines creamy sauce with savory sausage and bright lemon for a quick Dinner that's satisfying and gourmet.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting Time 1 minute
Total Time 31 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 570

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz Paccheri Pasta substitute with rigatoni or penne if needed
For the Sausage
  • 4 links Fresh Italian Sausages or chicken/plant-based alternatives
For the Sauce
  • 1 each Lemon Zest and Juice from fresh lemons
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream or dairy-free cream for vegan option
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese or vegan Parmesan
  • 4 cloves Garlic fresh minced
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil extra virgin is preferred
For Seasoning
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Large deep skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil and add the paccheri pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 10-12 minutes, ensuring they remain slightly firm when bitten. Once cooked, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
  2. In a large, deep skillet, heat about 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausages, breaking them into bite-sized pieces with a wooden spoon. Sauté for around 5-7 minutes, or until the sausages are browned and cooked through.
  3. Once the sausages are browned, add 3-4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Stir continuously for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the juice and zest from 1-2 fresh lemons, stirring to combine. Reduce heat to medium-low, then add 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring continuously. Let it gently simmer for about 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Add the drained paccheri pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat thoroughly with the sauce. If too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until desired consistency is achieved.
  6. Stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese along with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy, then remove from heat. Let it rest for a minute before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 570kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 26gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or reserved pasta water for best results.

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