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Easy Sausage Asparagus Pasta Recipe

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4.4 from 1 review

Sausage Asparagus Pasta is a quick and delicious 30-minute Italian-American dinner combining savory Italian sausage, tender-crisp asparagus, and perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a creamy garlic butter sauce or a lighter garlic sauce. This easy recipe serves four and is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a flavorful and comforting meal that feels like a restaurant-quality dish with minimal effort. Customize with your favorite pasta shapes, sausage types, and fresh herbs for a versatile, satisfying dish.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 12 ounces penne, rigatoni, or orecchiette pasta

Sausage & Vegetables

  • 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
  • 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1–2 inch pieces
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce & Seasoning

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (for creamy version)
  • ½ cup reserved pasta water
  • ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest or 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Brown the Sausage: While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add Italian sausage, breaking it into pieces with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove sausage from skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté Garlic and Asparagus: If needed, add olive oil to the same skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add asparagus pieces and cook until tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Prepare the Sauce: To the skillet, add heavy cream (if making creamy version), reserved pasta water, Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, and lemon zest or juice. Stir to combine and gently simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sausage: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together until well coated with the sauce and heated through.
  6. Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or basil if using, and serve immediately. Enjoy this hearty and flavorful meal warm.

Notes

  • For a lighter dish, omit the heavy cream and use more reserved pasta water and Parmesan for a garlic butter sauce.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for desired spice level.
  • Different pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or orecchiette work well to capture the sauce.
  • Use mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on your preference.
  • Make sure not to overcook asparagus to keep a nice tender-crisp texture.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American, Italian

Find it online: https://cozykitchenbymaya.com/easy-sausage-asparagus-pasta-recipe/