Penne with Spicy Sausage, Fresh Tomatoes, and Pecorino
Indulge in a delightful medley of flavors with this Penne with Spicy Sausage, Fresh Tomatoes, and Pecorino dish. A perfect choice for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe combines whole wheat penne pasta with zesty Italian chicken sausage, vibrant fresh tomatoes, and aromatic garlic. Enhanced with the sharpness of Pecorino Romano cheese and brightened with fresh basil, this dish offers a balanced yet bold experience. Adjust the sauce's consistency according to your preference and enjoy the warmth from crushed red pepper flakes for an added kick. This recipe is not only quick to prepare but also a fantastic way to bring together wholesome ingredients your family will love!
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
whole wheat penne
1 lb
Italian chicken sausage
1 lb (spicy or hot, casings removed)
extra virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons (for cooking)
onion
1 cup (vertically sliced)
garlic cloves
4 (minced)
tomatoes
2 lbs (chopped)
Pecorino Romano cheese
6 tablespoons (divided)
salt
1/4 teaspoon
pepper
1/4 teaspoon
fresh basil
1/4 cup (torn)
crushed red pepper flakes
to taste
Instructions
1
Cook the whole wheat penne according to package directions, omitting fat and salt. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
2
In a large nonstick skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat.
3
While the oil heats, remove the casings from the spicy Italian chicken sausage. Add the sausage and sliced onions to the skillet. If you prefer a kick, toss in desired crushed red pepper flakes.
4
Cook the sausage and onion mixture for about 4 minutes, stirring frequently to crumble the sausage evenly.
5
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
6
Stir in the chopped fresh tomatoes and cook for 2 more minutes until the tomatoes soften slightly.
7
Remove the skillet from the heat. Gently fold in the drained pasta, 2 tablespoons of the Pecorino Romano cheese, salt, and pepper, mixing well to combine all ingredients.
8
Serve the pasta in bowls, garnished with the remaining 4 tablespoons of Pecorino Romano cheese and torn fresh basil leaves on top.
Nutrition Information
9.5g
Fat
40g
Carbs
18g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary pasta used in the Penne with Spicy Sausage recipe?
The recipe uses 1 lb of whole wheat penne pasta.
What type of sausage is recommended for this dish?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of spicy or hot Italian chicken sausage with the casings removed.
How much Pecorino Romano cheese do I need?
A total of 6 tablespoons of Pecorino Romano cheese is used, divided between the pasta mixture and the garnish.
What is the calorie count for a serving of this pasta?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
How much protein is in this recipe?
This dish provides 18g of protein per serving.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
Yes, it is considered spicy as it uses spicy Italian chicken sausage and optional crushed red pepper flakes.
How should I prepare the onion for this dish?
The onion should be vertically sliced to yield about 1 cup.
How many cloves of garlic are required?
The recipe requires 4 minced garlic cloves.
How many tomatoes are used in the sauce?
The recipe uses 2 lbs of fresh, chopped tomatoes.
What type of oil is best for cooking the sausage and onions?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for sautéing.
How long should I cook the sausage and onion mixture?
Cook the sausage and onion mixture for about 4 minutes, stirring frequently to crumble the sausage.
When should the garlic be added to the skillet?
Add the garlic after the sausage and onions have cooked for 4 minutes, then cook for 2 more minutes until fragrant.
How long do the tomatoes need to cook?
The tomatoes should be stirred in and cooked for only 2 minutes until they soften slightly.
What kind of fresh herbs are used as a garnish?
The dish is garnished with 1/4 cup of torn fresh basil leaves.
How much fat is in one serving of this meal?
There is 9.5g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 40g of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I adjust the heat level of this dish?
Yes, you can adjust the heat by adding crushed red pepper flakes to your preference.
Is this dish suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is tagged as a 20-minute meal and an easy recipe, making it perfect for weeknights.
Should I add salt to the pasta water?
The instructions recommend omitting fat and salt when cooking the penne.
How is the Pecorino Romano divided in the recipe?
2 tablespoons are folded into the pasta mixture, and the remaining 4 tablespoons are used for garnish.
What should I do after the tomatoes have softened?
Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the cooked pasta, cheese, salt, and pepper.
How much salt and pepper are added to the final mix?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper.
Is this recipe considered family-friendly?
Yes, it is tagged as family-friendly and is a great way to bring wholesome ingredients together.
What is the texture of the onion in the dish?
The onions are vertically sliced and sautéed with the sausage to add a soft, aromatic texture.
Does this recipe use whole wheat pasta?
Yes, it specifically uses whole wheat penne for added fiber and nutrients.
How is the sausage prepared before cooking?
The casings should be removed from the sausage links before adding them to the skillet.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
This recipe requires 11 ingredients total.
Can I use different types of sausage?
While the recipe calls for spicy Italian chicken sausage, you can substitute with other varieties, though the flavor profile will change.
How do I ensure the sausage is cooked correctly?
Stir frequently while cooking for about 4 minutes to ensure the sausage crumbles evenly.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
Serve the pasta in bowls, topped with the extra Pecorino Romano and fresh torn basil.