Italian Sausage and Walnut Pasta

There’s something magical about gathering around the table with loved ones, especially during the fall season. The aroma of freshly cooked Italian Sausage and Walnut Pasta fills the air, inviting everyone to sit down and enjoy a hearty meal together. This dish has a special place in my heart; it reminds me of family gatherings where laughter and warmth intertwine. I vividly recall my grandmother teaching me how to prepare this pasta, sharing stories of her own childhood in Italy. With each ingredient, she infused love and tradition into the recipe. The combination of savory Italian sausage, creamy mascarpone, and crunchy walnuts creates a delightful medley of flavors and textures that truly captivates the senses. As you mix and toss, you’ll find that making this dish isn’t just about cooking—it’s about creating memories and sharing joy. The Italian Sausage and Walnut Pasta has become a staple at our family dinners, and I can’t wait for you to experience the same warmth and nostalgia that comes with every bite.

Italian Sausage and Walnut Pasta Shopping List

Every ingredient in the Italian Sausage and Walnut Pasta plays a vital role in creating a dish that’s comforting and delicious. The harmony between the meaty sausage, creamy mascarpone, and crunchy walnuts pairs perfectly with the rich crushed tomatoes, making it a well-rounded meal. Let’s dive into the key players.

• Colavita Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil: This premium oil adds a depth of flavor and is perfect for sautéing. It enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Italian Sausage: The star ingredient, it provides a savory, rich flavor that is crucial to the dish.
• Garlic: Just a couple of cloves infuse the dish with aromatic goodness, enhancing the flavors beautifully.
• Colavita Crushed Tomatoes: These tomatoes create a luscious sauce that binds everything together, providing moisture and a fresh flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning, they bring out the dish’s natural flavors.
• Colavita Short Shaped Pasta: Suggested Mezze Rigatoni is perfect for holding onto the sauce.
• Mascarpone Cheese: This creamy cheese adds a rich texture and balances the flavors perfectly.
• Walnuts: Finely chopped, they give a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the sausage.

How to Assemble Italian Sausage and Walnut Pasta

Assembling the Italian Sausage and Walnut Pasta is a delightful process that brings all the ingredients together. With each step, you’ll notice how the flavors meld beautifully. Let’s get cooking!

1. Start by heating Colavita Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Once hot, add in the Italian sausage. Use a spatula to break the sausage into small pieces as it cooks, allowing it to brown evenly. Look for a golden color and make sure it’s cooked through.
2. After the sausage is cooked, add the garlic cloves to the pan. Sauté for about one minute until fragrant. The garlic should be lightly golden, but be careful not to burn it as it can turn bitter.
3. Next, pour in the Colavita crushed tomatoes. Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer for 5 to 10 minutes. This will allow the flavors to develop beautifully. You want the sauce to thicken slightly.
4. While your sauce cooks, fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Generously season the water with salt; it should taste like the ocean. This is crucial for flavoring the pasta.
5. Once boiling, add the Colavita short shaped pasta. Stir it gently and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Taste it a minute or two before the time is up to ensure the texture is just right.
6. As the pasta cooks, reduce the heat on your sauce and stir in the mascarpone cheese until it’s fully blended in. This will create a creamy texture in your sauce, making it rich and delicious.
7. Make sure to remove the garlic cloves from the sauce and discard them once they’re cooked. They’ve done their job of adding flavor!
8. When the pasta is just about ready, drain it well. Then, add the drained pasta to the sauce. Toss everything together for a few minutes, ensuring the pasta is fully coated with the delicious sauce.
9. Finally, sprinkle the walnuts over the pasta before serving. This adds a wonderful crunch and enhances the dish’s flavor. Serve hot, and watch everyone enjoy!

How to Switch It Up

There are many ways to customize the Italian Sausage and Walnut Pasta to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some tips to inspire you!

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
• Freezing: Yes, this pasta dish can be frozen! Just make sure it’s cooled completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
• Pairing: Pair with a light salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Vegetarian Option: You can substitute the Italian sausage with a plant-based alternative for a vegetarian version.
• Flavor Boost: Add some fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an extra burst of flavor.

Great Combinations for Italian Sausage and Walnut Pasta

This Italian Sausage and Walnut Pasta is versatile and can be served in numerous ways. Here are some great combinations:

• Side Salads: A fresh arugula salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette complements the rich flavors beautifully.
• Breads: Serve with crusty garlic bread or a warm focaccia to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Occasions: Perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings during the fall season.
• Leftovers: The flavors deepen and improve the next day, making it a fantastic meal prep option.
• Seasonal Pairing: This dish pairs well with a light, crisp white wine (if alcohol is acceptable in your gathering).

FAQ

Conclusion

The Italian Sausage and Walnut Pasta is truly a standout dish that captures the essence of comfort food. I encourage you to try making it for your next family gathering or cozy night in. It’s not just about the meal; it’s about the memories created around the table. Give it a shot and let the deliciousness unfold!

Italian Sausage and Walnut Pasta

The ultimate comfort food, Italian Sausage and Walnut Pasta combines savory sausage with creamy mascarpone and crunchy walnuts. This easy weeknight dinner is perfect for gatherings and will leave you craving more!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Dinner

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 560 kcal

Equipment

• Chef's Knife
• Large Pot
• Wooden Spoon
• Blender
• Skillet
• Frying Pan
• Saucepan

Ingredients

  

• 2 teaspoons Colavita Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 lb Italian sausage
• 2 whole garlic
• 1.5 cups Colavita canned crushed tomatoes
• to taste Salt and pepper
• 0.5 lb Colavita short shaped pasta
• 8 ounces mascarpone cheese
• 0.5 cup walnuts

Instructions

 

• Heat Colavita Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil in a large sauté pan, then add in the Italian sausage. Use a spatula to break up the sausage as it cooks, working it until it’s in pieces the size of peas. When the sausage is fully cooked, add the whole garlic cloves and cook for one minute.
• Add the Colavita crushed tomatoes and let simmer for 5-10 minutes.
• While the sauce is cooking, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add a generous amount of salt (it should taste almost as salty as the ocean). Drop in the Colavita short shaped pasta, give it a stir, and cook until al dente.
• While the pasta cooks, lower the heat of the sauce and stir in the mascarpone cheese until blended. Remove the garlic and discard.
• When the pasta is ready, drain, then add to the sauce and toss for a few minutes until fully coated. Top with chopped walnuts and serve hot.

Notes

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
• Freezing: Yes, this pasta dish can be frozen! Just make sure it’s cooled completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
• Pairing: Pair with a light salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Vegetarian Option: You can substitute the Italian sausage with a plant-based alternative for a vegetarian version.
• Flavor Boost: Add some fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an extra burst of flavor.

Keyword Easy Pasta Dish, fall recipes, Italian sausage pasta, walnut pasta recipe

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Meet Olivia Bennett

For me, cooking is about connection. Whether I’m making a quick breakfast or a three course dinner, I focus on the feeling the food gives you. I love the entire process of food blogging, from chopping the first onion to adjusting the lighting for the final photo. I’m the one who reminds the team to slow down and really taste the food as we go, ensuring every recipe has that “home-cooked” warmth.