Pasta With Sausage And Sun-Dried Tomatoes
A flavorful pasta dish featuring Italian sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and garlic, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the sausage in the microwave for 6 minutes on High or steam in a covered pan over medium-low heat until cooked.
- Cut the cooked sausage into small, bite-sized pieces and set aside.
- Cook the pasta in boiling salted water until al dente, then drain.
- In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat.
- Add diced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and cooked sausage to the skillet, stirring to combine and heat through.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sausage and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Stir in chopped fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately, drizzled with additional olive oil if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a delightful twist, try using spicy sausage for an added kick. If sun-dried tomatoes aren't available, fresh cherry tomatoes can be sautéed until soft as a substitute. For a lighter version, opt for whole wheat pasta or zucchini noodles. Remember to reserve a bit of pasta water when draining; it can help adjust the sauce's consistency if needed.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta dish is best enjoyed immediately, but it also pairs wonderfully with a side salad for a refreshing contrast. Consider serving it alongside Italian Appetizer for a more substantial meal. A crisp white wine, like Pinot Grigio, complements the flavors beautifully.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to prevent sticking. For best results, avoid microwaving, as it can make the pasta gummy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta With Sausage And Sun-Dried Tomatoes contains roughly 896 calories, with 11g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 73g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (95% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (33% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 489mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
While it's best served fresh, you can prepare the sausage and sun-dried tomato mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, cook the pasta, then combine everything in the skillet for a quick meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).