Description
Marry me ditalini sausage pasta brings rich Italian comfort to dinner tables with incredible depth of flavor. Hearty ingredients and simple techniques create a memorable meal you will savor to the last delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound (1 lb) Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
Pasta and Dairy:
- 8 ounces (8 oz) ditalini pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (for garnish)
Herbs, Spices, and Additional Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare ditalini pasta according to package guidelines, ensuring al dente texture. Drain and reserve.
- Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature (375°F). Crumble sausage and cook until golden brown and thoroughly rendered.
- Introduce minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, sautéing for approximately 90 seconds to release aromatic flavors.
- Stream heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet, whisking continuously to create a harmonious blend.
- Incorporate Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Allow sauce to gently simmer for 4-5 minutes until it reaches a luxurious, thickened consistency.
- Fold cooked ditalini pasta into the creamy sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is lavishly coated.
- Calibrate seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
- Elevate presentation by scattering fresh basil leaves and sprinkling additional Parmesan cheese just before serving.
Notes
- Choose small pasta shapes like orzo or small shells if ditalini is unavailable for similar texture and sauce-holding capability.
- Remove sausage casings before cooking to ensure even crumbling and better integration with sauce.
- Adjust red pepper flakes based on personal spice tolerance, adding gradually for controlled heat level.
- For lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt to reduce calories while maintaining creamy consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 560 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 740 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg