Description
A delightful recipe for Gemelli Pasta with Sausage and Asparagus, combining savory sausage, fresh asparagus, and creamy sauce for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces gemelli pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gemelli pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the asparagus pieces and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender but still crisp.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Add the cooked gemelli pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. If the mixture seems dry, add some reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Season with red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to taste. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy milk alternative.
- Add cherry tomatoes or spinach for extra color and nutrition. Sauté them with the asparagus for a delicious twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 80mg