Penne with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto and Sausage
A hearty pasta dinner where penne is tossed with a rich sun-dried tomato pesto and spicy Italian sausage for a satisfying meal in under 30 minutes. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes blends penne pasta, casings removed Italian sausage, minced garlic cloves into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 540 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 10 oz, casings removed Italian sausage
- 1/2 cup, drained and chopped sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1 cup, packed fresh basil leaves
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp, divided salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp (optional) red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 10 oz Italian sausage with casings removed and cook, breaking up with a spoon, for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from heat.
- Step 3: In a food processor, combine 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup pine nuts, and 1 cup fresh basil leaves. Pulse a few times.
- Step 4: With the processor running, slowly drizzle in 1/3 cup olive oil until the mixture forms a coarse pesto. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 5: Return the skillet with sausage to low heat, add the cooked penne pasta, and toss with the sun-dried tomato pesto, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Step 6: Season with remaining 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using. Toss well and serve garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Penne with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto and Sausage take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Penne with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto and Sausage?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Penne with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto and Sausage?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Penne with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto and Sausage for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Penne with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto and Sausage?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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