Are you tired of boring, bland pasta dishes that leave you uninspired? Get ready to transform your dinner routine with this mouthwatering Sausage Cherry Tomato Pasta that promises to deliver maximum flavor in just 30 minutes! Imagine tender pasta intertwined with juicy sausage, burst-in-your-mouth cherry tomatoes, and a hint of fresh basil – this recipe is about to become your new go-to meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 2 sausage links, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced sausage links. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and cooked through.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Stir well to combine and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and release their juices.
- Once the tomatoes are softened, add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together to combine. If the mixture seems dry, gradually add some reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Season the pasta with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the dish.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and let it sit for a minute. This will allow the flavors to meld together.
- To serve, divide the sausage cherry tomato pasta among four plates. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor and color.
- Enjoy your delicious Sausage Cherry Tomato Pasta, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Tips
- Always reserve some pasta water before draining - its starchy goodness helps create a silky, cohesive sauce that clings perfectly to your pasta.
- Use high-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor profile. Spicy or mild, choose according to your preference.
- For extra depth, consider adding a splash of white wine when cooking the sausage or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
- Don't overcook your cherry tomatoes - you want them to soften and release their juices, but still maintain some texture.
- Fresh basil is key! Tear the leaves just before serving to preserve their vibrant flavor and aroma.
- If you want a creamier sauce, you can add a small amount of grated Parmesan cheese or a dollop of ricotta when tossing the pasta.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 55mg
