About
Imagine walking up to a cozy cottage in the midst of winter, opening the door, and finding this, piping hot, on the table waiting just for you. Yes, this dish is that kind of joy! Rustic Sausage Pasta has bites of succulent and spicy sausage nestled between tender pasta and strips of sweet and flavorful sun-dried tomatoes. Earthy broccoli florets and a sprinkling of sharp parmesan... yes indeed, Rustic Sausage Pasta really does have it all and then some! Take a bite and find that backcountry comfort!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 ounces ground sweet Italian sausage
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 pound frozen broccoli florets
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/3 cup julienne-cut sun-dried tomatoes
- 8 ounces rotini or fusilli
- ground red pepper, optional, to taste
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
Directions
Step 1 -In a skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil.
Step 2 -Add the sausage to the hot oil and cook, while crumbling, until it is no longer pink, about 5-8 minutes.
Step 3 -Transfer the sausage to a clean bowl.
Step 4 -Reserve 1 tablespoon of the sausage drippings in the skillet, draining the remainder.
Step 5 -Add the minced garlic and the broccoli to the hot sausage drippings in the skillet and cook, while stirring, until the broccoli is bright green and heated through, about 3-5 minutes.
Step 6 -Transfer the broccoli mixture to the bowl with the sausage.
Step 7 -Add the chicken broth to the skillet and stir or whisk, while scraping the bottom to release the browned bits.
Step 8 -Add the sun-dried tomatoes, the rotini, and the ground red pepper to the chicken broth and stir to combine.
Step 9 -Cover the skillet with a lid and increase the stovetop heat to medium-high and bring the pasta mixture to a boil.
Step 10 -Quickly stir the pasta mixture and replace the lid.
Step 11 -Reduce the heat to medium-low or low to maintain a simmer.
Step 12 -Simmer the pasta mixture, while stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 7 minutes.
Step 13 -Add the sausage mixture to the pasta mixture and stir to combine.
Step 14 -Sprinkle the parmesan cheese on top of the pasta mixture.
Step 15 -Serve immediately.