Spicy Sausage Cavatappi
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
35 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
652 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Dinner
Spicy Sausage Cavatappi
Description
This Spicy Sausage Cavatappi combines curly pasta with a flavorful sauce based on browned Italian spicy sausage, softened onions, sun-dried tomatoes, and a medley of spices including oregano, paprika, and red pepper flakes. The sauce is enriched with heavy cream, sour cream, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses, providing a creamy and slightly tangy base. Fresh baby spinach is added near the end to wilt into the sauce, offering some freshness and color contrast.
The pasta water is reserved and incorporated to help loosen the sauce and scrape up the flavorful browned bits from the pan, enhancing the depth of flavor. The result is a creamy, hearty dish with layers of spice and richness, complemented by the tender pasta shape that holds the sauce well.
This dish works well as a standalone meal or paired with a simple green salad or crusty bread to balance its richness. The spice level is moderate, adjustable through the amount of red pepper flakes used.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cavatappi pasta cooked al dente according to package instructions, drained, reserving 1 cup of pasta water
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large onion finely diced (about ¼ cup, or shallot
- 1 pound Italian sausage ground, spicy
- 2 tablespoons garlic minced
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomato softened in hot water, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese grated, plus extra for garnish
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese finely shredded
- 2 cups baby spinach loosely packed, fresh
- parsley chopped, for garnish
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add cavatappi noodles to a pot of boiling salted water. Cook al dente according to package instructions (8-9 minutes for cavatappi). Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
- While noodles are cooking, prepare the sauce. In a large skillet over medium heat, add oil. When hot, add shallots and cook until softened (3-5 minutes).
- Add Italian sausage. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon and stirring occasionally until the sausage is browned and cooked through (about 10-12 minutes).
- Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute, or until fragrant.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
- Add reserved pasta water. Stir to combine, scraping the brown bits off the bottom of the pan as you go. Add heavy cream, sour cream, parmesan, and mozzarella cheese. Stir to combine.
- Add spinach, stirring to combine. Simmer until cheese is fully melted and spinach is wilted (5-7 minutes). The sauce will thicken slightly.
- Add the cooked pasta; toss to coat.
- Serve topped with more parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 652 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 652kcal | 33% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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