Are you ready to elevate your pasta game to a whole new level? Dive into the rich and creamy world of Mascarpone Pasta with Smoked Sausage and Broccoli—a dish that combines the comforting flavors of Italian cuisine with a twist that will leave your taste buds dancing! In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a delectable meal that serves four, making it perfect for family dinners or impressing guests. With the luscious mascarpone cheese melting into the perfectly cooked pasta and the smoky sausage adding depth, this recipe is a must-try for any pasta lover. Don’t miss out on this culinary delight; read on to discover how to make it!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- 8 ounces smoked sausage, sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- While the water is heating, slice the smoked sausage into thin, diagonal rounds approximately 1/4 inch thick.
- Cut the broccoli into small, uniform florets, ensuring they are roughly bite-sized for even cooking.
- Once the water is boiling, add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- During the last 3 minutes of pasta cooking, add the broccoli florets directly to the same pot to blanch them.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and sauté until slightly crispy and golden brown, about 4-5 minutes.
- Drain the pasta and broccoli, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water.
- Return the pasta and broccoli to the pot, then add the mascarpone cheese, sautéed sausage, salt, and pepper.
- Stir gently to combine, using reserved pasta water to help create a creamy sauce if needed.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as desired.
- Serve immediately in warm pasta bowls, ensuring an even distribution of sausage and broccoli.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: While penne or rigatoni work beautifully, feel free to experiment with other pasta shapes that can hold onto the creamy sauce well.
- Perfectly Cooked Broccoli: To keep your broccoli vibrant and crunchy, add it to the pot during the last three minutes of the pasta cooking time. This ensures it’s perfectly blanched and retains its bright green color.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Don’t forget to save some of the pasta cooking water! This starchy water is a secret weapon for achieving a creamy consistency in your sauce.
- Sauté for Flavor: When cooking the smoked sausage, allow it to get a little crispy for added texture and flavor. The caramelization brings out its smokiness, enhancing the overall dish.
- Season to Taste: Always taste your pasta before serving. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to ensure every bite is bursting with flavor.
- Serve Warm: Mascarpone pasta is best enjoyed immediately. Serve it in warm bowls to keep the dish at the perfect temperature while you savor every creamy bite.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 33g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 75mg
