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Saucy Sausage and Lemon Pasta Recipe

Saucy Sausage and Lemon Pasta Recipe
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4.9 from 11 reviews

This Saucy Sausage and Lemon Pasta is a vibrant and satisfying dish that balances the savory depth of Italian sausage with the refreshing pop of lemon. Tossed with cherry tomatoes, garlic, and fresh parsley, it’s a quick and flavorful pasta meal that strikes a perfect balance between comforting and fresh flavors.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Pasta:

  • 12 ounces pasta (spaghetti or penne)

Sausage Mixture:

  • 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, casing removed)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set pasta aside.
  2. Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sausage and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
  3. Sauté Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes, just until fragrant. Don’t let it burn.
  4. Add Tomatoes: Add cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes, until they begin to soften and burst slightly.
  5. Add Lemon & Heat: Stir in lemon zest and juice. Add red pepper flakes if using. Mix well.
  6. Combine with Pasta: Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sausage mixture. Stir to combine. Gradually add reserved pasta water until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
  7. Season and Finish: Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Stir in chopped parsley.
  8. Serve: Serve hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

  • Use spicy sausage and extra red pepper flakes for a bolder version.
  • Add a splash of cream for a creamier sauce.
  • This recipe pairs well with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://easy-tapas-recipes.com/saucy-sausage-and-lemon-pasta-recipe/