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
Scale
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
