Indulge in the savory flavors of chicken sausage, aromatic pesto, and al dente pasta with this mouthwatering recipe. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is easy to make and guaranteed to impress. With a preparing time of just 30 minutes, you can enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal in no time. Whether you're a meat lover or a fan of Italian cuisine, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken sausage, sliced
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 3 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the chicken sausage slices over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In a food processor or blender, combine the basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic, and olive oil. Pulse until well blended and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Return the cooked sausage slices to the skillet and add the pesto sauce. Cook over low heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss until well coated with the pesto sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot and garnish with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Interesting Facts
Pesto is a classic Italian sauce traditionally made with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.
Chicken sausage is a flavorful alternative to traditional pork sausage, adding a lean and healthy twist to this pasta dish.
You can customize the recipe by using different types of sausage, such as spicy Italian sausage or herb-infused sausages, for a variation in flavors.