Savory One-Pan Creamy Sausage Cavatappi
Whip up a hearty and flavorful dish in less than 30 minutes with our Savory One-Pan Creamy Sausage Cavatappi. This delightful recipe features tender cavatappi pasta enveloped in a rich and creamy sauce made with savory Italian sausage, sweet onions, and fresh tomatoes. The vibrant notes of basil add a refreshing finish, making it a perfect weeknight meal that will delight your family and impress your guests. With just one pan to clean, you can spend more time enjoying this delicious meal rather than slaving over the stove. Experience the comforting flavors of Italy in this quick and satisfying pasta dish!
N/A
Servings
437.5
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cavatappi pasta
1 lb (dry)
Italian sausage
1 lb (mild or hot, casings removed)
Sweet onion
1 cup (chopped)
Garlic cloves
3 (minced)
Canned tomatoes
2 cups (strained and diced)
Fresh basil
1/4 cup (chopped)
Half and half milk
1 cup (none)
Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (optional, grated)
Mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup (optional, to garnish)
Fresh parsley
(optional, for garnish)
Basil
(optional, for garnish)
Green onion
(optional, chopped for garnish)
Instructions
1
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
2
While the water is heating, remove the sausage from its casings and place the meat into a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Use a wooden spoon to break up and roughly chop the sausage as it cooks until no longer pink.
3
Add the chopped sweet onion and minced garlic to the pan with the sausage. Stir and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
4
Once the water is boiling, add the cavatappi pasta and cook according to package instructions, but subtract one minute from the minimum cooking time for al dente perfection.
5
As the pasta cooks, incorporate strained and diced canned tomatoes, chopped basil, and half-and-half into the sausage mixture. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper, then let the sauce simmer lightly to meld the flavors together.
6
When the pasta is done cooking, drain it (reserving a bit of the pasta water if you desire a looser sauce) and add the drained cavatappi to the sausage sauce mixture. Stir to combine, and let the mixture cook over medium heat for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to marry and the pasta to absorb the creamy sauce.
7
Serve plated in bowls, topped with your choice of optional Parmesan or mozzarella cheese, and garnished with fresh parsley, extra basil, or chopped green onion.
Nutrition Information
22.5g
Fat
41.25g
Carbs
18.75g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory One-Pan Creamy Sausage Cavatappi?
It is a hearty and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender cavatappi enveloped in a rich and creamy sauce made with Italian sausage, sweet onions, and fresh tomatoes.
How long does it take to prepare this meal?
This dish can be whipped up in less than 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a quick weeknight dinner.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of dry cavatappi pasta.
What kind of sausage should I use?
You can use 1 lb of Italian sausage, either mild or hot, with the casings removed.
How do I cook the sausage for this dish?
Remove the sausage from its casings and cook it in a large frying pan over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon until it is no longer pink.
What aromatics are added to the sausage?
The recipe includes 1 cup of chopped sweet onion and 3 minced garlic cloves.
How long should I sauté the onions?
Sauté the chopped sweet onion with the garlic and sausage for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
How do I achieve al dente pasta for this recipe?
Cook the cavatappi in boiling salted water according to the package instructions, but subtract one minute from the minimum cooking time.
What type of tomatoes are used in the sauce?
The recipe uses 2 cups of canned tomatoes that have been strained and diced.
How much fresh basil is required?
You will need 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil to incorporate into the sauce.
What makes the sauce creamy?
The creaminess comes from adding 1 cup of half and half milk to the sausage and tomato mixture.
How is the sauce seasoned?
The sauce is seasoned with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
What should I do with the pasta water?
You may reserve a bit of the pasta water before draining to add back into the mixture if you prefer a looser sauce.
How long do the pasta and sauce cook together?
After combining the drained pasta with the sauce, let the mixture cook over medium heat for an additional 2-3 minutes.
What are the optional cheese toppings?
You can top the dish with 1/2 cup of optional grated Parmesan cheese or 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese.
What garnishes are suggested for this dish?
Recommended garnishes include fresh parsley, extra basil, or chopped green onions.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 437.5 calories.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
This recipe contains 22.5g of fat per serving.
How much protein is in the Savory One-Pan Creamy Sausage Cavatappi?
There are 18.75g of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count for this dish?
There are 41.25g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this recipe easy to clean up?
Yes, it is designed as a one-pan dish (aside from the pasta pot), meaning there is less to clean after cooking.
Can I use hot sausage instead of mild?
Yes, the recipe specifically notes that you can use either mild or hot Italian sausage depending on your preference.
How much garlic is used?
The recipe calls for 3 cloves of garlic, minced.
What is the prep for the sweet onion?
The sweet onion should be chopped to yield about 1 cup.
Does the recipe include any green vegetables?
It includes fresh basil in the sauce and optional parsley, extra basil, or green onions as garnishes.
What is the texture of the sauce?
The sauce is described as rich and creamy with vibrant notes of basil and savory sausage.
Is this dish suitable for families?
Yes, it is described as a perfect family meal that is both quick and satisfying.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
There are 12 ingredients listed in total, including optional garnishes.
What is the primary cooking method for the sauce?
The sauce is simmered lightly in a large frying pan to allow the flavors to meld together.
What makes this an 'Italian' dish?
The use of Italian sausage, garlic, basil, and Parmesan cheese provides the comforting flavors of Italy.