Description
Spicy Sausage Rotini delivers a hearty Italian-inspired pasta experience with zesty sausage and bold seasonings. Comfort meets excitement in this quick weeknight dinner that promises flavor in every delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) spicy Italian sausage, sliced
Pasta:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) rotini pasta
Dairy & Cream Ingredients:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Additional Liquid & Flavor Ingredients:
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Seasonings & Herbs:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta by bringing a generously salted water pot to a rolling boil. Submerge rotini and cook until achieving a perfect al dente texture, typically following package timing guidelines. Carefully drain the pasta and reserve to the side.
- Transform a large skillet into a sizzling cooking surface by introducing olive oil over medium heat. Carefully slice sausage into appetizing rounds and carefully brown them until fully cooked, creating crispy exterior edges, approximately 6-8 minutes. Extract sausage pieces and temporarily set aside.
- Utilize the same skillet for creating a luxurious sauce foundation. Gently introduce minced garlic, allowing it to release its aromatic essence for 1-2 minutes. Stream chicken broth and heavy cream into the pan, encouraging a gentle simmer. Incorporate Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until achieving a silky, uniform consistency. Enhance flavor profile by seasoning with Italian herbs, introducing a subtle kick of red pepper flakes, then balancing with black pepper and salt.
- Reunite the cooked pasta and sausage within the sauce-filled skillet. Meticulously toss ingredients, ensuring each rotini strand becomes thoroughly coated. Distribute mozzarella cheese across the surface, then cover the skillet, allowing cheese to melt and create a decadent topping for 3-5 minutes.
- Elevate the dish’s visual appeal by scattering fresh parsley as a final garnish. Serve immediately while maintaining optimal temperature and flavor intensity.
Notes
- Select spicy or mild sausage based on heat preference, allowing customization for different spice tolerances.
- Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for lighter version, reducing overall calorie content while maintaining creamy texture.
- Reserve pasta water before draining to help adjust sauce consistency if needed, creating smoother sauce integration.
- Consider using gluten-free rotini for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals without compromising dish’s del
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg