Name: Sausage and Squash Cavatelli Delight
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 tsp olive oil; 1 lb. Italian Sausage (3-4 sausage links); 1 large shallot, halved and sliced; 1 large zucchini, sliced; 1 large yellow squash, sliced; 2 plum tomatoes, halved and sliced (optional); 1 box cavatelli pasta; 1 cup reserved pasta water (after cooking pasta); ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn (for garnish); Parmesan cheese, grated (for garnish); Salt and pepper to taste

Description

The “Sausage and Squash Cavatelli Delight” is a flavorful and heartwarming dish that masterfully combines the robust flavors of Italian sausage with the light freshness of zucchini and yellow squash. This recipe brings a comforting taste of Italy right into your home kitchen, creating a perfect meal that’s not only satisfying but also visually appealing with its vibrant mix of vegetables and herbs. Ideal for a family dinner or a cozy gathering, this dish is bound to become a beloved favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

2 tsp olive oil
1 lb. Italian Sausage (3–4 sausage links)
1 large shallot, halved and sliced
1 large zucchini, sliced
1 large yellow squash, sliced
2 plum tomatoes, halved and sliced (optional)
1 box cavatelli pasta
1 cup reserved pasta water (after cooking pasta)
¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn (for garnish)
Parmesan cheese, grated (for garnish)
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients Start by placing 1 tsp of olive oil in a large shallow sauté pan. As the oil heats up, remove the sausage from its casings to prepare for browning.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage Brown the sausage in the pan until fully cooked. Once done, remove it from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables Add the remaining 1 tsp of olive oil to the same pan. Add the sliced zucchini, yellow squash, and shallots and cook over medium-high heat until they are soft and lightly browned, about 5-8 minutes. Introduce the tomatoes toward the end of the cooking process to just warm through.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta While the vegetables are cooking, boil water in a separate pot for the pasta. Salt the water generously before adding the cavatelli. Cook according to the package directions, and be sure to reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
Step 5: Combine and Serve In a large bowl, mix the sausage, cooked vegetables, and drained pasta. Gradually add the reserved pasta water to achieve a lightly sauced consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Prep Time: 30 minutes