Sausage & Ricotta Penne is a delightful Italian pasta dish that combines the savory flavors of pepperoni sausages with the creamy richness of ricotta cheese. This hearty and comforting recipe serves four and is perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner or a special gathering with friends and family. The dish features crumbled pepperoni sausages cooked in a flavorful sauce with onions, fennel, red wine, and passata (tomato sauce). The addition of fresh basil adds a burst of herbal fragrance to the sauce. The penne pasta is cooked to perfection and then combined with the sauce, allowing the flavors to meld together. The final touch of creamy ricotta cheese and freshly grated Parmesan adds a luscious and cheesy finish to this mouthwatering meal. With its enticing aroma and mouthwatering taste, this Sausage & Ricotta Penne recipe is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
INGREDIENTS:
- 4 pepperoni sausages
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 fennel bulb, chopped
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 150ml/5fl oz red wine
- 100ml/3 1/2 fl oz passata or tomato sauce
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves
- 300g/11oz dried penne
- 100g/4oz ricotta cheese
- 50g/2oz Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
PREPARATIONS:
- Put the sausages in a frying pan and cover with water. Bring to the boil, then simmer until the water evaporates. Cool, remove the meat from the casings, and crumble.
- Fry the onion and fennel in the oil until soft. Add the crumbled sausage, red wine, and passata or tomato sauce. Cook for 10 minutes. Add the chopped basil and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook the penne in lightly salted boiling water until al dente, then drain. Stir in the prepared sauce.
YIELD:
- Serves 4
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- Be sure to remove the meat from the casings of the sausages after boiling and cooling them.
- Cook the penne pasta until it reaches the desired “al dente” texture, ensuring it’s not overcooked or too soft.
- When adding the red wine to the sauce, allow it to simmer and reduce to intensify the flavors.
- Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, ensuring it’s well-balanced.
TIPS:
- Customize the level of spiciness by choosing mild or hot pepperoni sausages.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the pepperoni sausages with plant-based sausages or your favorite meat alternative.
- Sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top if you prefer a spicier kick.
- Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves for a burst of freshness and vibrant color.
- Serve this dish with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
In conclusion, Sausage & Ricotta Penne is a delectable Italian pasta dish that brings together the robust flavors of pepperoni sausages and the creaminess of ricotta cheese. The combination of the sautéed onions, fennel, red wine, and passata creates a rich and savory sauce that beautifully coats the penne pasta. The aroma of fresh basil infuses the dish with an irresistible herbal fragrance, elevating the overall experience.
This recipe is straightforward to prepare, making it a fantastic option for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal. The crumbled pepperoni sausages add a savory and slightly spicy kick to the dish, while the ricotta cheese brings a creamy and indulgent element. The finishing touch of freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a nutty and salty flavor, enhancing the overall taste profile.
To ensure the best results, it’s important to cook the penne pasta until it’s “al dente” – tender yet firm to the bite. This allows the pasta to hold its shape and absorb the flavors of the sauce. The simmering of the sausage, onion, and fennel in the sauce allows the ingredients to meld together and develop a depth of flavor.
When serving, spoon the flavorful pasta over a dollop of ricotta cheese on each plate. This creates a creamy and luscious base that complements the robustness of the sauce. Sprinkle the dish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese to add a delightful finishing touch.
Sausage & Ricotta Penne is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a standalone meal or paired with a side salad or garlic bread. The combination of flavors and textures is sure to satisfy your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
In summary, this Sausage & Ricotta Penne recipe brings together the warmth and comfort of Italian cuisine in a delightful pasta dish. With its savory sausage, creamy ricotta, and aromatic basil, every bite is a burst of flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
