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Spicy Sausage Cavatappi

Spicy Sausage Cavatappi is a creamy, cheesy pasta dish with a kick, made with spicy Italian sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
35 mins
Servings: 6
Calories: 652 kcal
Course: Main Course , Dinner

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces cavatappi noodles, cooked al dente according to package instructions, drained, reserving 1 cup of pasta water
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 large shallot, finely diced (about ¼ cup)
  • 1 pound ground spicy Italian sausage
  • 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, 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, finely shredded
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach, loosely packed
  • Parsley, chopped, for garnish
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. 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.
  2. 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).
  3. 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).
  4. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute, or until fragrant.
  5. Add sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
  6. 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.
  7. Add spinach, stirring to combine. Simmer until cheese is fully melted and spinach is wilted (5-7 minutes). The sauce will thicken slightly.
  8. Add the cooked pasta; toss to coat.
  9. Serve topped with more parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Nutrition Information

Calories 652kcal (33%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 652

% Daily Value*

Calories 652kcal 33%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.