Creamy Penne Primavera with Italian Sausages and Peas
Indulge in a comforting bowl of Creamy Penne Primavera, featuring a delightful combination of spicy and sweet Italian sausages, vibrant green peas, and a rich mascarpone sauce. This classic recipe is a twist on traditional pasta dishes, delivering a satisfying balance of flavors and textures – perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Served with fresh grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of black pepper, this dish guarantees to impress while being relatively easy to prepare. It’s a delicious way to bring a taste of Italy into your kitchen any night of the week!
6
Servings
600
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Hot Italian sausage
3/4 lb (casings removed)
Sweet Italian sausage
3/4 lb (casings removed)
Onion
1 cup (chopped)
Whipping cream
1 1/4 cups (none)
Low sodium chicken broth
3/4 cup (none)
Penne pasta
1 lb (none)
Frozen peas
2 cups (none)
Mascarpone cheese
2/3 cup (none)
Parmesan cheese
3/4 cup (grated)
Salt
to taste (none)
Black pepper
to taste (freshly cracked)
Instructions
1
In a Dutch oven over high heat, sauté both types of sausage until browned, breaking them into smaller pieces with the back of a spoon, which should take about 12 minutes. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the sausage to a bowl and leave 1 tablespoon of the drippings in the pot.
2
Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until it turns light brown, which will take approximately 6 minutes.
3
Pour in the whipping cream and bring it to a boil. Let it boil for about 5 minutes. Then, add the chicken broth and continue boiling the mixture until it thickens to a sauce consistency—stir it occasionally; this should take around 8 minutes. Return the cooked sausages back into the pot.
4
While the sauce simmers, cook the penne pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until just tender but still firm to the bite (al dente). Follow the package instructions, which usually takes about 10-12 minutes.
5
Once the sauce is simmering, add the frozen peas and mascarpone cheese. Continue to simmer until the peas are tender, about 6 minutes.
6
Drain the cooked penne pasta and add it directly to the sauce mixture in the pot. Toss everything together to ensure the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce. Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
7
Transfer the creamy penne primavera to a large serving bowl. Serve immediately with additional Parmesan and a sprinkle of black pepper if desired.
Nutrition Information
34.5g
Fat
53.7g
Carbs
26g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Penne Primavera with Italian Sausages and Peas?
It is a comforting pasta dish featuring a blend of spicy and sweet Italian sausages, green peas, and a rich mascarpone-based sauce.
What types of sausage are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3/4 lb of Hot Italian sausage and 3/4 lb of Sweet Italian sausage with casings removed.
How long does it take to cook the sausages?
The sausages should be sautéed for about 12 minutes until browned and broken into smaller pieces.
What is the first step in preparing the sauce?
After cooking the sausages and onions, you pour in the whipping cream and bring it to a boil for about 5 minutes.
How much whipping cream is required?
The recipe requires 1 1/4 cups of whipping cream.
What kind of broth is recommended for the sauce?
You should use 3/4 cup of low sodium chicken broth.
How long should the chicken broth and cream mixture boil?
It should boil until it thickens to a sauce consistency, which takes approximately 8 minutes.
What type of pasta is best for this dish?
Penne pasta is the recommended choice for this recipe.
How do I cook the penne pasta?
Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water for 10-12 minutes until it is al dente.
When do I add the frozen peas?
Add the frozen peas once the sauce is simmering, along with the mascarpone cheese.
How long do the peas need to simmer?
The peas should simmer for about 6 minutes until they are tender.
What cheese provides the creamy base for the sauce?
Mascarpone cheese is used to create the rich, creamy texture of the sauce.
How much mascarpone cheese is needed?
You will need 2/3 cup of mascarpone cheese.
Does this recipe include Parmesan cheese?
Yes, it includes 3/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese mixed into the pasta.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 600 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 26 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content for this dish?
The fat content is 34.5 grams per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 53.7 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How long should I sauté the onions?
The chopped onions should be sautéed for approximately 6 minutes until light brown.
How much onion is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 1 cup of chopped onion.
Is the sausage cooked with the casings on?
No, the casings should be removed before sautéing.
What equipment is suggested for cooking the sauce?
A Dutch oven is recommended for sautéing the sausages and preparing the sauce.
How should the dish be seasoned?
It should be seasoned with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
Should the pasta be drained before adding to the sauce?
Yes, drain the cooked penne pasta before tossing it with the sauce mixture.
What are the main flavor profiles of this dish?
It offers a balance of spicy heat from the sausage, sweetness from the peas, and richness from the cream and mascarpone.
Is this recipe considered easy to prepare?
Yes, the recipe is described as relatively easy to prepare, making it great for family dinners.
Can I add extra cheese when serving?
Yes, it is recommended to serve immediately with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
What is the preparation for the black pepper?
The black pepper should be freshly cracked for the best flavor.
Can I use different sausages?
While the recipe calls for a mix of hot and sweet Italian sausages, you can adjust the ratio based on your spice preference.