Imagine a dish that combines the savory richness of apple sausage, the earthy crunch of toasted walnuts, and perfectly cooked pasta in a symphony of flavors that will transport your taste buds to an Italian countryside. This Apple Sausage and Walnut Pasta isn't just another recipe – it's a gourmet experience that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal you can create right in your own kitchen. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this unexpected and delightful combination that proves culinary magic happens when you dare to be deliciously different!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 2 apple sausages, sliced
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and carefully place the sliced apple sausages into the pan.
- Sauté the sausage slices for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and slightly crispy on the edges.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Toast the chopped walnuts in a separate dry pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Drain the cooked pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water. Return the pasta to the pot.
- Add the sausage and garlic mixture to the pasta. Drizzle with the remaining olive oil and toss gently to combine.
- If the pasta seems dry, add a little of the reserved pasta water to create a light sauce.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Sprinkle the toasted walnuts over the pasta and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately while hot, ensuring each portion has a good mix of sausage, walnuts, and pasta.
Tips
- Always reserve some pasta water before draining - its starchy goodness helps create a silky sauce and helps ingredients cling perfectly.
- Toast your walnuts carefully; they can burn quickly, so keep them moving in the pan and remove from heat the moment they become fragrant.
- Use high-quality apple sausage for the best flavor profile - the subtle sweetness makes a huge difference.
- Don't overcook the garlic - 30 seconds is just right to release its flavor without turning bitter.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a light sprinkle of parmesan cheese or a drizzle of truffle oil before serving.
- Serve immediately while hot to enjoy the optimal texture of the sausage and the fresh, vibrant parsley garnish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 507kcal
Carbohydrates: 46g
Protein: 14g
Fat: 31g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 15mg
