– 12 ounces pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or your choice)
– 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, casings removed)
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic (minced)
– Zest of 1 large lemon
– Juice of 2 large lemons
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper (to taste)
– Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
Creating this amazing Saucy Sausage and Lemon Pasta involves straightforward steps. Follow these simple instructions for delicious results:
1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and then drain the rest. Set aside.
2. Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it into smaller pieces with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant but not burnt.
4. Incorporate Lemon: Add the lemon zest and lemon juice, stirring to combine everything evenly.
5. Create the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Mix Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet, tossing to coat the noodles well. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
7. Stir in Cheese: Incorporate the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for added freshness.