Spring Sausage Toss

Bursting with vibrant spring flavors, the Spring Sausage Toss is a quick and satisfying pasta dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. This recipe combines tender penne or bowtie pasta with juicy Italian sausage, crisp asparagus, sweet cherry tomatoes, and bright green peas, bringing a medley of fresh, seasonal ingredients to your table. A zesty touch of lemon juice and zest enhances the flavors, while Parmesan cheese and fresh basil add a finishing layer of richness and aroma. Ready in just 40 minutes, this one-pan wonder is a delightful balance of hearty and fresh, making it an ideal choice for celebrating the bounty of spring. Perfect for fans of easy pasta recipes, seasonal ingredients, and savory sausage dishes!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces Italian sausage links
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 bunch Asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1.5 cups Cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup Frozen peas
• 12 ounces Penne or bowtie pasta
• 1 piece Lemon, juiced and zested
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 0.25 cup Fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 16 cups Water (for pasta boiling)

Directions

Step 1

Fill a large pot with 16 cups of water and bring to a boil over high heat. Add a generous pinch of salt and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage links and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning frequently, until browned and fully cooked. Remove the sausages from the skillet and slice them into 1/2-inch pieces. Set aside.

Step 3

In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4

Toss in the asparagus and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to soften. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes, until they start to burst slightly.

Step 5

Stir in the frozen peas and cook for an additional minute until heated through.

Step 6

Return the sausage slices to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Pour in the reserved pasta water, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Toss everything together and cook for 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 7

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan, fresh basil, salt, and black pepper.

Step 8

Divide the Spring Sausage Toss among plates or bowls, garnish with extra Parmesan and basil if desired, and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(4965.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1417.5

Total Fat 113.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 36.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 240.0mg	0%
Sodium 5266.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 37.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.5g	0%
Total Sugars 14.9g
Protein 69.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 692.9mg	0%
Iron 16.4mg	0%
Potassium 2387.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 70.4%

Protein: 19.1%

Carbs: 10.5%