Sautéed Sausage and Peppercorn Pasta

A robust pasta dish featuring spicy Italian sausage simmered in a peppery cream sauce with garlic and fresh herbs.

Cuisine: Italian

Category: Pasta

Prep: 15 minutes. Cook: 25 minutes.

Serves 4.

Ingredients

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 1/2 lb Italian sausage
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium, finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves, minced garlic
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp, freshly ground black peppercorns
• 1/4 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1/2 lb Italian sausage and cook, breaking into small pieces, for 5-6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove sausage and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Stir in 1 tbsp freshly ground black peppercorns and 1/4 cup heavy cream, then simmer for 2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly. Return sausage to skillet and stir to combine.
5. Step 5: Add drained spaghetti and 2 tbsp reserved pasta water to skillet. Toss vigorously for 1 minute until sauce coats pasta evenly. Stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted.
6. Step 6: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.