Superlative Sausage and Pea Pasta

A vibrant spring pasta with sweet Italian sausage, fresh peas, and a touch of lemon zest for bright flavor.

Cuisine: Pasta

Category: Pasta

Prep: 15 minutes. Cook: 20 minutes.

Serves 4.

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 8 oz sweet Italian sausage
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 finely diced shallot
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz penne pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 8 oz Italian sausage, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon, and cook for 5 minutes until browned and cooked through.
3. Step 3: Add 1 finely diced shallot to the skillet and sauté for 2 minutes until translucent. Stir in 1 cup frozen peas and cook for 3 minutes until bright green and tender.
4. Step 4: Add drained penne pasta to the skillet along with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, 1 tsp lemon zest, 1/4 cup chopped basil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss vigorously for 2 minutes until the sauce clings to the pasta.
5. Step 5: Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and glossy, adding more pasta water if needed to reach desired consistency.