Sausage Pesto Pasta with Caramelized Onions and Peas

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Sausage Pesto Pasta with Caramelized Onions and Peas is a quick and flavorful dinner that’s ready in just 20 minutes. This dish combines perfectly cooked pasta with savory Italian sausage, sweet caramelized onions, vibrant peas, and a zesty pesto sauce. A crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting family meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

  • Pasta:
    • 8 ounces bowtie pasta (or any short-cut pasta), cooked according to package instructions
  • Sausage:
    • 1 pound Italian sausage (ground or casings removed, sweet or spicy)
  • Vegetables and Aromatics:
    • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • ½ cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
  • Sauce:
    • ¼ cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
    • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
    • ½ cup reserved pasta water
  • Seasoning and Garnish:
    • ¼ cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
    • Pinch of chili flakes (optional)
    • Salt and pepper, to taste
    • ¼ cup minced basil or parsley (optional)

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente, reserving ½ cup of the starchy pasta cooking liquid. Drain and set aside.

2. Brown the Sausage:

  • Heat a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and break it apart using a potato masher or wooden spoon. Cook until golden brown, about 7–9 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.

3. Caramelize the Onions:

  • In the same skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until golden and caramelized, about 6–8 minutes.

4. Combine the Ingredients:

  • Return the sausage to the skillet along with any juices. Add pesto, lemon juice, reserved pasta water, and chili flakes. Stir to create a sauce.
  • Toss in the cooked pasta and peas. Stir to combine and heat through.

5. Serve:

  • Check seasoning and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Sprinkle Parmigiano-Reggiano and fresh herbs on top before serving.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 570
  • Protein: 21 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Fat: 50 g
    • Saturated Fat: 16 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 1077 mg
  • Vitamin A: 501 IU
  • Vitamin C: 15 mg
  • Calcium: 133 mg
  • Iron: 2 mg

The Allure of Sausage and Pesto Pasta

The combination of sausage and pesto is a match made in culinary heaven. The sausage brings rich, savory notes, while the pesto provides a fresh, herbaceous punch. Adding caramelized onions enhances the dish with a subtle sweetness, creating a well-rounded flavor profile. The peas contribute a vibrant green color and a slight crunch, making each bite a delightful experience.

This dish is versatile, customizable, and designed to please a variety of palates. Whether you prefer sweet or spicy sausage, homemade or store-bought pesto, this recipe can easily adapt to your preferences.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  1. Quick and Easy Preparation:
    Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a quick dinner solution without compromising on taste.
  2. Crowd-Pleasing Flavors:
    The savory sausage, creamy pesto, and sweet onions create a dish that’s both satisfying and impressive.
  3. Customizable Ingredients:
    You can swap out ingredients to suit dietary preferences or what you have on hand, such as gluten-free pasta or vegan sausage.
  4. Nutrient-Rich:
    The addition of peas and herbs boosts the nutritional profile, offering fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Key Ingredients That Make This Dish Special

  • Italian Sausage:
    The heart of the dish, Italian sausage adds richness and a hint of spice. Sweet or spicy varieties work well, depending on your flavor preference.
  • Caramelized Onions:
    These provide a natural sweetness and depth of flavor that balances the savory components.
  • Pesto Sauce:
    A blend of fresh basil, Parmesan, garlic, pine nuts, and olive oil, pesto infuses the dish with a vibrant, herby essence.
  • Green Peas:
    Fresh or frozen, peas add texture, color, and a mild sweetness that complements the stronger flavors.
  • Lemon Juice:
    A splash of lemon juice brightens the dish, cutting through the richness and enhancing the overall flavor.

Tips for Perfect Sausage Pesto Pasta

  1. Cook Pasta Al Dente:
    For the best texture, ensure the pasta is cooked to al dente. This allows it to hold up well when tossed with the sauce.
  2. Caramelize Onions Properly:
    Take your time to cook the onions slowly over medium heat, allowing their natural sugars to develop for maximum sweetness.
  3. Reserve Pasta Water:
    The starchy pasta water helps bind the sauce to the pasta, creating a silky, cohesive dish.
  4. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:
    When browning sausage or caramelizing onions, give them space in the skillet to cook evenly and develop color.
  5. Adjust Seasoning:
    Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving. The saltiness of the sausage and pesto can vary, so you may need less added salt.

Variations and Substitutions

  1. Protein Alternatives:
    Swap sausage with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based sausage for a lighter or vegetarian option.
  2. Vegetable Additions:
    Enhance the dish with additional vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus for more color and nutrition.
  3. Pasta Choices:
    While bowtie pasta is used here, penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti would work just as well.
  4. Pesto Varieties:
    Experiment with different types of pesto, such as sun-dried tomato pesto or arugula pesto, for a unique twist.
  5. Cheese Options:
    Add a sprinkle of mozzarella or feta for extra creaminess.

Serving Suggestions

Sausage Pesto Pasta with Caramelized Onions and Peas is a complete meal on its own, but you can enhance it with complementary sides:

  1. Garlic Bread:
    A slice of warm, crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious pesto sauce.
  2. Side Salad:
    A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.
  3. Roasted Vegetables:
    Serve alongside roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli for added flavor and nutrients.
  4. Wine Pairing:
    A glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with the herbaceous notes of the pesto.

Why This Dish is a Dinner Hero

This recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary. The combination of textures—from the crispy caramelized onions to the tender pasta—and flavors—from the savory sausage to the zesty pesto—makes it a truly satisfying meal. It’s quick enough for weeknights yet elegant enough for entertaining guests.

Conclusion

Sausage Pesto Pasta with Caramelized Onions and Peas is the ultimate comfort food that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for convenience. Its vibrant colors, rich flavors, and easy preparation make it a go-to recipe for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting a casual dinner party, this dish is sure to impress.

In just 20 minutes, you can have a hearty and wholesome meal that satisfies your taste buds and nourishes your soul. Try this recipe today and discover why it’s destined to become a household favorite!

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