Description
A delicious and easy recipe for Gemelli pasta with Italian sausage and asparagus, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces gemelli pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 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. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the asparagus pieces and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until they are tender but still crisp.
- Pour in the chicken broth and red pepper flakes (if using), bringing the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add the cooked gemelli pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine. If the mixture seems dry, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute turkey sausage for Italian sausage.
- Add cherry tomatoes or spinach for extra color and nutrients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg