Description
This Caprese Pasta with Sausage combines savory Italian sausage, fresh cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, all tossed with al dente pasta for a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces of pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 1 pound of Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 pint of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 ounces of fresh mozzarella, diced
- 1 cup of fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon of balsamic glaze (optional, for drizzling)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Remove the casing from the Italian sausage and crumble it into the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through, breaking it into smaller pieces.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Sprinkle in dried oregano, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat. If the mixture seems dry, gradually add reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
- Remove from heat and fold in diced mozzarella and chopped basil. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Plate the pasta in shallow bowls, drizzle with balsamic glaze, and garnish with extra basil leaves if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
- For a spicier kick, use spicy Italian sausage.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for leftovers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes