Italian Sausage and Vegetables with Gorgonzola Cream Sauce Recipe
Overview
This delightful dish is a fusion of rich flavors inspired by Mean-Chef’s gorgonzola sauce recipe and a memorable Italian dining experience in Albany, NY. It combines savory Italian sausage, vibrant vegetables, and a luscious gorgonzola cream sauce over penne pasta, creating a comforting and indulgent meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Quantity | Ingredient |
---|---|
1/2 cup | Butter |
8 tbsp | Flour |
4 cups | Milk |
1 cup | Gorgonzola cheese |
8 oz | Parmesan cheese |
1/2 bulb | Garlic |
6 | Sweet onions |
6 | Bell peppers |
2 | Bunches of asparagus |
3 | Portabella mushrooms |
1 1/2 – 2 | lbs Italian sausage |
1 lb | Penne pasta |
1 tbsp | Italian seasoning |
3 tbsp | Extra virgin olive oil |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 1516.5
- Total Fat: 93.2g
- Saturated Fat: 49g
- Cholesterol: 253.7mg
- Sodium: 2275.8mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 122.5g
- Dietary Fiber: 14.7g
- Sugars: 4.4g
- Protein: 51.1g
Cooking Instructions
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Prepare the Gorgonzola Cream Sauce:
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant, taking care not to brown it.
- Gradually whisk in flour to create a roux, cooking for 3 to 5 minutes until it becomes a light golden color.
- Slowly pour in milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring to a boil and continue whisking until the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and set aside. Season with freshly ground pepper.
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Prepare the Sausage and Vegetable Mixture:
- In a large frying pan, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add sliced onions and some of the garlic, sautéing for about 3 minutes until the onions begin to soften.
- Stir in bell peppers and Italian seasoning, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until the peppers start to become tender.
- Add the cooked Italian sausage to the pan, heating through until everything is well combined and warmed.
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Finish the Gorgonzola Cream Sauce:
- Reheat the prepared cream sauce over medium heat.
- Stir in the gorgonzola and parmesan cheeses, allowing them to melt into the sauce. It’s okay if there are small lumps of gorgonzola – they add to the texture and flavor.
- Taste the sauce and add salt if needed, adjusting to your preference.
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Assemble the Dish:
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
- To serve, place a portion of penne pasta in each bowl.
- Top with the sausage and vegetable mixture, distributing evenly.
- Spoon the warm gorgonzola cream sauce generously over the pasta and vegetables.
- Garnish each serving with sliced portabella mushrooms and asparagus.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve immediately while warm, allowing everyone to enjoy the creamy richness of the gorgonzola sauce with the savory sausage and tender vegetables.
Tips for Success
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Cheese Lumps: Don’t worry if there are small lumps of gorgonzola in the sauce – they will melt beautifully and enhance the sauce’s flavor.
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Seasoning: Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the salt accordingly. The saltiness of cheeses can vary, so it’s important to adjust to your taste.
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Vegetable Variations: Feel free to swap out or add other vegetables like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or spinach based on your preference and seasonal availability.
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Make Ahead: The sauce can be prepared ahead of time and gently reheated before serving. Cook the pasta and sauté the vegetables and sausage just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
This Italian Sausage and Vegetables with Gorgonzola Cream Sauce recipe offers a perfect balance of savory flavors and creamy textures, making it a standout dish for family dinners or special gatherings. Enjoy the process of creating this delicious meal, and savor the compliments that come your way! 🍝