Description
Marry me ditalini sausage pasta delivers a comforting Italian-inspired meal with rich, hearty flavors. Creamy sauce and spicy sausage combine for a memorable dining experience you won’t forget.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
Pasta and Dairy:
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) ditalini pasta
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare ditalini pasta according to package directions, ensuring al dente texture. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
- In a spacious skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat. Sauté diced onions until translucent and softened, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Introduce Italian sausage to the skillet, methodically crumbling meat into small, uniform pieces. Cook until meat develops a rich, golden-brown exterior.
- Incorporate minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red chili flakes. Stir continuously for 60 seconds to activate aromatic qualities and prevent burning.
- Gradually pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet. Gently simmer the liquid, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to slightly thicken.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese into the simmering mixture, stirring consistently until sauce transforms into a velvety, uniform consistency.
- Fold cooked ditalini pasta into the creamy sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is luxuriously coated. Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Transfer to serving dishes immediately. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and additional Parmesan cheese for enhanced flavor and visual appeal.
Notes
- Customize heat levels by adjusting red chili flakes for personal spice preference.
- Use low-fat alternatives like half-and-half or milk to create a lighter version of the creamy sauce.
- Choose lean Italian sausage or plant-based sausage substitutes for healthier protein options.
- Consider adding roasted vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to boost nutritional value and create more texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 657 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 27 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg