Artichoke Sausage Pasta Recipe

There’s something magical about the fusion of hearty Italian sausage and delicate artichoke hearts mingling in a creamy sauce—it feels like a cozy culinary hug! Let me take you on a flavorful journey of comfort and joy with my favorite penne pasta recipe. 🍝✨

I love to experiment with flavors, and this Artichoke Sausage Pasta is a delicious blend of savory and creamy goodness. Hearty Italian sausage and tender artichoke hearts are complemented by a whisper of red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.

You could switch out the sausage for chicken and make this a dish of doppelgangers, but you’d miss the lovely contrast of crispy edges and tender chunks. Also, if you haven’t cooked with artichokes before, they complement a lot of flavors and add a protein-like depth to dishes.

Artichoke Sausage Pasta Recipe Ingredients

• Penne Pasta: Rich in carbohydrates for energy; a comforting base.
• Italian Sausage: Adds savory flavor; high in protein.
• Garlic: Offers aromatic depth; known for its health benefits.
• Artichoke Hearts: High in fiber; brings a subtle, nutty taste.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Provides a burst of sweetness; rich in antioxidants.
• Heavy Cream: Adds creaminess; contributes to richness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Delivers umami; a source of protein and calcium.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Provides a spicy kick; enhances overall flavor.

Artichoke Sausage Pasta Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

How to Make this Artichoke Sausage Pasta Recipe

1. Prepare the penne pasta as per the provided package directions, taking care to ensure that the pasta is cooked to an al dente texture. Drain the pasta and keep it in a nearby holding pattern for later use.

2. In a big frying pan, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Put in the Italian sausage, crumbling it up with a spatula, and let it cook until it’s nice and brown.

3. Add the sausage to a large sauté pan over medium heat and cook until browned, breaking up the sausage with a spatula or wooden spoon as it cooks. Add the minced garlic about 1 minute before the sausage is finished cooking.

4. Mix in the artichoke hearts and cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 more minutes, until they are just starting to soften.

5. Add the chicken broth and bring the mix to a simmer, letting everything blend together.

6. Lower the temperature to low and mix in the heavy cream, allowing the sauce to thicken a little more, for about 2-3 minutes.

7. Incorporate the grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until the cheese has melted and is well integrated.

8. Toss the cooked penne pasta into the skillet, ensuring it becomes uniformly enrobed in the creamy sauce.

9. If necessary, taste and adjust the seasoning. Remove from the heat.

10. Serve the dish piping hot, with fresh parsley as a garnish if that is your desire. Enjoy the pasta dish that is Artichoke Sausage!

Artichoke Sausage Pasta Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Strainer or colander
3. Large frying pan
4. Large sauté pan
5. Spatula
6. Wooden spoon
7. Measuring spoons
8. Measuring cups
9. Knife
10. Cutting board

FAQ

• Can I use another type of pasta?You can replace the penne with the pasta of your choice, such as fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle.
• Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?A plant-based substitute for the sausage works well here as a replacement. You can also increase the quantity of vegetables if you want an entirely meatless dish. Mushrooms and spinach are great possibilities.
• Can I use fresh artichokes instead of canned?Fresh artichokes can certainly be used. They should be cooked and then cut into quarters before being added to the dish.
• How can I make this dish lighter?Replace the heavy cream with a less fatty cream or half-and-half. Substitute turkey sausage or chicken sausage for pork sausage.
• How can I adjust the spice level?If you want a milder flavor, either reduce the amount of red pepper flakes you use or leave them out completely. If you have a taste for heat, feel free to amp it up with more red pepper flakes.
• What’s the best way to store leftovers?Leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, but only if they’re in an airtight container. To reheat them, do so gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or cream if necessary.

Artichoke Sausage Pasta Recipe Substitutions and Variations

For the penne pasta: use either fusilli or rigatoni, both of which have a comparable texture.
To prepare Italian sausage, substitute it with either turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option.
For the heavy cream: replace with half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream for a lighter or dairy-free version.
To substitute for the Parmesan cheese: use Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast, if you want it dairy-free.
To substitute fresh parsley: use fresh basil or cilantro for a different flavor profile.

Pro Tips

1. Use Freshly Grated Parmesan For the best flavor, grate Parmesan cheese from a block rather than using pre-grated cheese. This ensures better melting and a richer taste in your sauce.

2. Preheat the Pan Make sure your frying pan is adequately preheated before adding the olive oil and sausage. This will help the sausage brown properly, which adds depth of flavor to the dish.

3. Reserve Pasta Water Before draining the pasta, reserve about a cup of pasta water. You might need to add a little to the final dish to help the sauce adhere to the pasta if it seems too thick or dry.

4. Saute Vegetables to Preference Cook the artichoke hearts and tomatoes to your desired texture. If you prefer them softer, extend the cooking time by a few minutes before adding the chicken broth.

5. Finish with Extra Garnish For an extra burst of flavor, you can garnish the dish with extra grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest in addition to the fresh parsley. This will brighten up the dish just before serving.