If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with bold flavors, satisfying textures, and vibrant greens, the Spicy Paccheri with Sausage & Greens Recipe is your perfect go-to. This hearty pasta combines the indulgent spice of Italian sausage with fresh greens and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes, all enveloped in delightfully chewy paccheri. It’s comfort food with a kick, great for weeknight dinners or impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet essential, each bringing character to your Spicy Paccheri with Sausage & Greens Recipe. From the spicy sausage that delivers a savory punch to the fresh greens that add a tender, nutritious layer, every element plays a crucial role.
- 12 oz paccheri pasta: Its large, tube-like shape holds onto sauce beautifully for maximum flavor in every bite.
- 1 lb spicy Italian sausage (remove casing): Adds rich, zesty flavor and a meaty texture that makes this dish truly satisfying.
- 2 cups fresh greens (spinach, kale, or Swiss chard): Provides a fresh, slightly earthy contrast and vital nutrients.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic depth and a fragrant base flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste): Gives the perfect amount of heat to complement the sausage without overpowering the dish.
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh): Adds juicy acidity and a subtly sweet balance to the richness of the sausage.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Acts as the flavorful fat to sauté ingredients and meld the sauce together.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to highlight all the flavors.
- Fresh basil, for garnish: Introduces a refreshing herbal brightness at the end.
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving: Provides a salty, nutty finish that ties the dish perfectly.
How to Make Spicy Paccheri with Sausage & Greens Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Paccheri Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the paccheri until it’s al dente, which usually takes just about the time indicated on the package. This al dente texture gives you that satisfying bite and perfect pasta base to soak up the vibrant sauce you’ll make.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
While the pasta cooks, heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the spicy Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Let it brown evenly over about 5 to 7 minutes. This step is crucial because those crispy bits bring intense flavor and a wonderful texture to the dish.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes
Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes once the sausage is nicely browned. Let them cook for just about a minute until the garlic becomes fragrant. This quick sauté wakes up the spices and infuses the oil with that irresistible garlicky heat that complements the sausage beautifully.
Step 4: Wilt the Greens
Next, toss in your fresh greens. Whether you choose spinach, kale, or Swiss chard, gently stir them into the sausage mixture until they wilt. This will take around 2 to 3 minutes, providing a lovely tender texture and a vibrant pop of color that balances the dish.
Step 5: Simmer with Tomatoes
Pour in the diced tomatoes and season everything with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the ingredients to marry and the flavors to deepen. The tomatoes add a bright acidity and natural sweetness that lift the rich sausage and spicy notes.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Return to your drained paccheri and add it straight into the skillet. Toss everything together so that each piece of pasta is thoroughly coated in the savory, spicy sauce. This step brings all the textures and tastes together in perfect harmony, creating a dish that’s as satisfying on the eyes as it is on the palate.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Plate your Spicy Paccheri with Sausage & Greens Recipe immediately. Sprinkle freshly chopped basil over the top for a burst of herbaceous aroma and finish with a generous grating of Parmesan cheese. This final touch adds that classic Italian flair and enhances every bite.
How to Serve Spicy Paccheri with Sausage & Greens Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil and grated Parmesan are simple yet transformative garnishes. Basil adds an aromatic brightness that cuts through the richness of the sausage, while Parmesan delivers a salty, nutty zing that perfectly rounds out this hearty pasta.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette for refreshing contrast, or crusty garlic bread to mop up any extra sauce. Roasted vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, also complement the flavors without competing.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, serve the Spicy Paccheri with Sausage & Greens Recipe family-style in a large rustic bowl with extra Parmesan on the side. Alternatively, try layering it in individual ramekins for charming, personal portions that feel special and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Spicy Paccheri with Sausage & Greens stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it just as delicious the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze this pasta dish, though the texture of the greens may soften a bit. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the leftovers on the stove over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving at high power to preserve texture and prevent the sausage from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use different types of sausage in this recipe?
Absolutely! While spicy Italian sausage adds the signature kick, mild sausage or even chicken sausage can work if you prefer less heat. Just adjust the red pepper flakes accordingly.
What’s the best green to use for this dish?
Spinach offers a delicate softness, kale provides hearty chewiness, and Swiss chard contributes a subtle earthiness. Feel free to mix your favorites to create the perfect green blend for your taste.
Is paccheri pasta necessary or can I substitute it?
Paccheri’s large tube shape is fantastic for capturing sauce, but if you can’t find it, other tubular pastas like rigatoni or penne work well too. Just make sure to adjust cooking times as needed.
How spicy is this dish?
The red pepper flakes and spicy sausage give this dish a pleasant, warming heat, but the level can always be tailored. If you’re sensitive to spice, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the sausage with spicy plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms and add some smoked paprika or chili powder for depth. The greens and garlic will keep it flavorful and hearty.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Paccheri with Sausage & Greens Recipe never fails to impress with its perfect balance of spice, freshness, and richness. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, easy enough for a weeknight but special enough for guests. Give it a try, and you might just find yourself making it again and again!
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Spicy Paccheri with Sausage & Greens Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Spicy Paccheri with Sausage & Greens recipe combines hearty paccheri pasta with flavorful spicy Italian sausage, fresh greens, and a zesty tomato sauce. A quick and satisfying Italian-inspired dish perfect for weeknight dinners that offers a great balance of spice, freshness, and savory depth.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz paccheri pasta
Sauce and Sausage
- 1 lb spicy Italian sausage (casing removed)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Greens and Garnish
- 2 cups fresh greens (spinach, kale, or Swiss chard)
- Fresh basil, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the paccheri pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until browned and cooked through.
- Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Incorporate Greens: Add the fresh greens to the skillet and cook, stirring often, until they wilt, about 2-3 minutes, blending their flavors with the sausage.
- Simmer with Tomatoes: Pour in the diced tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 5 minutes so the flavors meld.
- Combine Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked paccheri to the skillet and toss everything thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the spicy sausage and greens sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Plate the pasta immediately. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Adjust red pepper flakes quantity based on your spice preference.
- Use any combination of spinach, kale, or Swiss chard for the greens to vary the flavor and texture.
- For a milder sausage, substitute spicy Italian sausage with sweet Italian sausage.
- Fresh basil can be swapped with parsley or oregano if preferred.
- Parmesan cheese can be omitted for a lower-fat version or substituted with a vegan alternative to make it dairy-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
