This recipe combines the earthy flavors of dandelion greens with the savory taste of sausage in a creamy pesto sauce, tossed with al dente pasta. It's a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy night in or a family dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 bunch dandelion greens
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 oz pasta of your choice
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
Directions
- Wash and dry the dandelion greens, removing any tough stems.
- Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet until golden brown.
- In a food processor, combine the dandelion greens, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.
- Blend until smooth, adding more olive oil if needed to reach your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- In a large skillet, brown the sausage over medium heat until cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sausage, along with the dandelion pesto. Toss to combine, adding pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper.
Interesting Facts
Dandelion greens are packed with vitamins A, C, and K, making them a nutritious addition to any meal.
Pine nuts add a rich and nutty flavor to the pesto sauce, while Parmesan cheese adds a salty kick.
This recipe can easily be made vegetarian by swapping out the sausage for mushrooms or roasted vegetables.