Best 2 Creamy Pesto Penne With Sausage Recipes

Indulge in the symphony of flavors with Creamy Pesto Penne with Sausage, a tantalizing pasta dish that marries the vibrant essence of pesto with the rich, savory notes of sausage. This culinary masterpiece starts with penne pasta, cooked to al dente perfection, then generously coated in a luscious creamy pesto sauce, bursting with the aromatic freshness of basil, the nutty depth of pine nuts, and the tangy zest of Parmesan cheese. Succulent sausage, cooked until golden brown, adds a delightful savory dimension, while a sprinkle of sun-dried tomatoes lends a vibrant pop of color and a burst of tangy sweetness. Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will satisfy your taste buds and leave you craving for more. In addition to the main recipe, this article also includes variations that cater to different dietary preferences, such as a vegetarian version with roasted vegetables, a sun-dried tomato pesto variation for a vibrant twist, and a spicy pesto recipe that brings a fiery kick.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

CREAMY PESTO PENNE WITH SAUSAGE

Creamy Pesto Penne with Sausage image

Quick weeknight dinner. Ready in 15 minutes!

Provided by BaughHumbug

Categories Main Dish Recipes Pasta Pesto Pasta Recipes

Time 25m

Yield 2

Number Of Ingredients 5

Ingredients

1 (16 ounce) package penne pasta
½ pound ground sausage
1 (1.2 ounce) package creamy pesto sauce mix (such as Knorr®)
1 cup milk
¼ cup olive oil

Steps:

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook penne at a boil, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 11 minutes; drain and transfer pasta to a bowl.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir sausage in the hot skillet until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes; add to pasta.
Whisk pesto sauce mix, milk, and olive oil together in a small saucepan; bring to a boil while stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low and keep at a simmer until thickened, about 3 minutes; pour over pasta and sausage mixture and toss to coat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1454.6 calories, Carbohydrate 176.8 g, Cholesterol 74.5 mg, Fat 61.8 g, Fiber 7.6 g, Protein 51.5 g, SaturatedFat 15.8 g, Sodium 2150.9 mg, Sugar 15.6 g

CREAMY SAUSAGE PENNE

Creamy Sausage Penne image

This luscious pasta dish is one I've avoided making recently; it's not exactly a lowfat dinner and I feel guilty serving it to my husband -- neither of us should be eating such a high calorie meal. But it's so, so good! Even though I can't claim it's part of a healthy diet, I hope you try it at least once -- it's a fast, easy dish, after all! I serve this with a simple green salad.

Provided by Lennie

Categories Lunch/Snacks

Time 30m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

1 lb penne pasta (fusilli or ziti could also be used, but I prefer penne)
3 tablespoons olive oil (preferably extra-virgin)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pinch cayenne pepper
1 lb sweet mild Italian sausage
1 cup heavy cream
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
3 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into small bits)
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh basil
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh flat leaf parsley

Steps:

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook the penne until al dente; drain well and do NOT rinse.
After you put the water on to boil, remove sausage meat from the casings, crumble, and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add garlic and cayenne and saute for approximately 30 seconds, then add sausage meat to skillet.
Cook until sausage meat is no longer pink (about 5 minutes or so).
Add cream, salt, pepper and nutmeg to skillet and turn heat to high to bring mixture to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer, gently, until the cream reduces and the sauce thickens a bit; it takes about 10 minutes.
Place cooked penne in a large serving bowl (it's nice if you warm it first) and pour sauce over; add butter and cheese to bowl and combine all well.
Taste; add more salt and/or pepper if you wish.
Sprinkle chopped herbs over top and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 818.5, Fat 51.9, SaturatedFat 22.6, Cholesterol 120.1, Sodium 1350.4, Carbohydrate 65.6, Fiber 8.6, Sugar 0.8, Protein 24.4

Tips:

Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the flavor of your dish.
Don't overcook the pasta. Cook it al dente, or slightly firm to the bite.
Use a good quality pesto. You can make your own or buy a store-bought brand.
Add the pesto to the pasta after it has been cooked and drained. This will prevent the pesto from becoming too oily.
Stir in the sausage and vegetables until they are heated through. Don't overcook them, or they will become dry and tough.
Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. You may also want to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little spice.
Serve the pasta immediately. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if desired.

Conclusion:

Creamy pesto penne with sausage is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. It is packed with flavor and is sure to please everyone at the table. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a meal that is both satisfying and delicious. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy pasta dish, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!