Description
Embrace the simplicity and robust flavors of the One Pan Creamy Pesto Pasta with Sausage. This recipe conveniently brings together chicken sausage and creamy pesto pasta in a single skillet, making it a perfect go-to meal for any busy weeknight. Its delightful mix of textures and flavors invites you to dive into a hearty, comforting dish that effortlessly pleases the palate and reduces cleanup time.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp pine nuts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 links fully cooked chicken sausage, sliced into 1/4-inch slices
- 1 (12 oz) box Barilla® Pronto™ Penne
- 3 cups water
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 (6.3 oz) jar Barilla® Pesto sauce
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped (optional)
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
- Additional grated parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)
Step-by-step Directions
Step 1: Toast the Pine Nuts
Place pine nuts in a dry 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Cook for 4 minutes until golden brown, stirring frequently. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
Add the olive oil to the pan and raise the heat to medium-high. Sauté the sliced chicken sausage for 5 minutes until browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Pasta
Mix together the water, heavy cream, and pesto sauce. Pour the entire box of pasta into the skillet and pour the liquid mixture over the pasta. Raise the heat to high and cook pasta for 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese and optional spinach. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the spinach is wilted. Garnish with toasted pine nuts and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Servings and Preparation Time
This recipe serves approximately 4 people. Preparation time is about 10 minutes, with an additional 20 minutes for cooking, totaling about 30 minutes from start to finish.
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stove over medium heat until hot, adding a splash of water or cream if the pasta seems too dry.
Conclusion
The One Pan Creamy Pesto Pasta with Sausage recipe is not only a testament to the power of one-pan cooking for simplifying meal preparation and cleanup, but it also expertly combines the rich flavors of pesto and the heartiness of chicken sausage. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner option on a hectic weeknight or simply want a comforting meal that doesn’t compromise on taste, this dish promises satisfaction in every bite. Enjoy the easy cooking process and the delightful combination of ingredients that make this recipe a household favorite.
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One Pan Creamy Pesto Pasta with Sausage
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Embrace the simplicity and robust flavors of the One Pan Creamy Pesto Pasta with Sausage. This recipe conveniently brings together chicken sausage and creamy pesto pasta in a single skillet, making it a perfect go-to meal for any busy weeknight. Its delightful mix of textures and flavors invites you to dive into a hearty, comforting dish that effortlessly pleases the palate and reduces cleanup time.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp pine nuts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 links fully cooked chicken sausage, sliced into 1/4-inch slices
- 1 (12 oz) box Barilla® Pronto™ Penne
- 3 cups water
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 (6.3 oz) jar Barilla® Pesto sauce
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped (optional)
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
- Additional grated parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Toast the Pine Nuts: Place pine nuts in a dry 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Cook for 4 minutes until golden brown, stirring frequently. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the Sausage: Add the olive oil to the pan and raise the heat to medium-high. Sauté the sliced chicken sausage for 5 minutes until browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Prepare the Pasta: Mix together the water, heavy cream, and pesto sauce. Pour the entire box of pasta into the skillet and pour the liquid mixture over the pasta. Raise the heat to high and cook pasta for 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Combine Ingredients: Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese and optional spinach. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the spinach is wilted. Garnish with toasted pine nuts and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes