Rigatoni with Spinach, Sausage, and Robiola Cheese
Category: Pasta Dishes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Rigatoni | 350g |
Fresh Spinach | 300g |
Sausage (preferably Italian) | 300g |
Robiola Cheese | 200g |
Onion | ½ (finely chopped) |
Whole Milk | 150g |
Salt (to taste) | q.b. |
Extra Virgin Olive Oil | q.b. |
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: Approximately 550-600 kcal per serving
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
Instructions:
-
Prepare the ingredients: Begin by finely chopping the onion and setting it aside. Rinse the spinach thoroughly and roughly chop it into bite-sized pieces. In a separate bowl, place the robiola cheese and work it with a fork to soften it, making it easier to blend into the sauce later.
-
Prepare the sausage: Remove the sausage from its casing, then crumble it into small pieces using your hands. This will ensure it cooks evenly and integrates well with the other ingredients.
-
Cook the onion and sausage: Heat a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Next, add the crumbled sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes.
-
Cook the spinach: Once the sausage is cooked, add the chopped spinach to the pan. Sauté the spinach until it wilts down and releases its moisture. This should only take a few minutes.
-
Incorporate the robiola: Once the spinach has wilted, add the robiola cheese to the skillet, a little at a time. Stir gently to incorporate it into the mixture, allowing it to melt and form a creamy sauce. If needed, pour in the whole milk to loosen the sauce and achieve the desired creamy consistency.
-
Cook the pasta: While preparing the sauce, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions, aiming for an al dente texture.
-
Combine pasta and sauce: Once the rigatoni is cooked, drain it and reserve some pasta water. Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the creamy spinach, sausage, and robiola sauce. Toss everything together, adding a bit of pasta water if necessary to help coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
-
Serve: Transfer the rigatoni to serving plates. Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil, a pinch of salt if needed, and a few grinds of black pepper. Serve immediately, and enjoy this rich and comforting dish!
Tips:
- You can substitute the sausage with a vegetarian version or chicken sausage for a lighter option.
- For a touch of freshness, add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
This recipe combines the earthy flavor of spinach, the savory richness of sausage, and the creamy tang of robiola cheese, creating a perfect balance of tastes. Perfect for a comforting family dinner or a special gathering!