Description
This Easy Sausage Pesto Pasta is a flavorful and quick weeknight dinner recipe perfect for busy evenings. Featuring Italian sausage, aromatic garlic, juicy cherry tomatoes, and vibrant pesto, this dish delivers comforting, well-balanced flavors in just 30 minutes. The pasta is cooked al dente and tossed with a luscious pesto sauce, making every bite deliciously satisfying. Garnished with Parmesan and fresh basil, it’s a simple yet elegant meal the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta. Set pasta aside.
- Brown Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook for 6–8 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Add Garlic and Tomatoes: Stir in minced garlic and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until fragrant and tomatoes begin to soften.
- Combine Pasta and Pesto: Reduce heat to low. Add the cooked pasta and pesto to the skillet. Pour in a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce, stirring to coat the pasta and sausage mixture evenly.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top, garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- Use chicken or turkey sausage for a leaner protein option.
- Add fresh spinach or arugula for extra greens and nutrition.
- This recipe works well with gluten-free pasta for those with gluten sensitivities.
