Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly cooked pasta, where each bite bursts with the rich, savory flavors of Italian sausage, tangy Dijon mustard, and fresh basil. This isn't just another pasta recipe - it's a culinary adventure that transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet meal that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Get ready to elevate your home cooking with this incredibly easy and mouthwatering Pasta with Sausage Basil Mustard that proves restaurant-quality meals are just minutes away!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 12 oz of pasta, 1 lb of Italian sausage, 2 tbsp of Dijon mustard, 1/2 cup of fresh basil (chopped), 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add a generous amount of salt to the water to enhance the flavor of the pasta.
- Add the 12 oz of pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Remove the casing from the 1 lb of Italian sausage and crumble the sausage into the skillet.
- Cook the sausage for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and cooked through. Use a wooden spoon to break up any large pieces.
- Once the sausage is cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in the 2 tbsp of Dijon mustard until well combined. Allow it to cook for an additional minute to meld the flavors.
- When the pasta is done cooking, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sausage and mustard mixture. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to create a creamy sauce.
- Stir in the 1/2 cup of chopped fresh basil and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the cheese is melted and everything is evenly coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, you can add more Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- Remove from heat and let it rest for a minute. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with additional fresh basil and Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Enjoy your delicious Pasta with Sausage Basil Mustard!
Tips
- Always salt your pasta water generously - it should taste like the sea! This is your only chance to season the pasta from the inside.
- Reserve some pasta cooking water before draining. The starchy water helps create a silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats every strand of pasta.
- Cook the sausage thoroughly and break it into small, even pieces to ensure consistent flavor and texture throughout the dish.
- Add the basil and Parmesan at the end of cooking to preserve their fresh flavor and prevent overcooking.
- If the sauce seems dry, gradually add reserved pasta water to achieve a creamy consistency.
- For an extra flavor boost, try using fresh, high-quality Parmesan and hand-chop your basil just before adding it to the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 650kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 95mg
