Pasta With Turkey Sausage, Tomatoes & Mozzarella
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Description
This recipe for Pasta with Turkey Sausage, Tomatoes, and Mozzarella was handed down to me by my mother on the occasion of my marriage, as it was one of my favorite meals from her kitchen. The combination of hearty turkey sausage, juicy tomatoes, melted mozzarella, and a hint of spice from the red pepper flakes makes for an irresistible, comforting dish. While I love it with hot sausage for an added kick, you can easily swap it for mild sausage if you prefer something a bit tamer. Though my mother didn’t specify the sausage package size, I typically use a 1-pound package to maintain the right balance of flavors.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Hot sausage (or regular sausage) | 1 lb |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic (minced) | 1 clove |
| Onion (diced) | 1 medium |
| Canned tomatoes with juice | 1 can (14.5 oz) |
| Dried red pepper flakes | 1/4 tsp |
| Pasta (such as penne or spaghetti) | 8 oz |
| Smoked mozzarella cheese (shredded) | 1 cup |
| Fresh parsley (chopped) | 2 tbsp |
| Parmesan cheese (grated) | 2 tbsp |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 453.8 kcal |
| Fat | 14.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 31.4 mg |
| Sodium | 288.4 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 60.3 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.9 g |
| Sugars | 2.9 g |
| Protein | 19.2 g |
Instructions
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Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, proceed to the next step.
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Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute, allowing it to become fragrant. After this, discard the garlic to avoid burning, leaving behind the infused oil for the next steps.
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Cook the Onion: Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes or until it softens and becomes translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
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Prepare the Sauce: Stir in the canned tomatoes with their juice, crumbled turkey sausage, and dried red pepper flakes. Allow this mixture to cook over medium-high heat for around 20 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors meld together.
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Cook the Pasta: While the sauce is simmering, cook your pasta according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside.
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Combine the Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sausage and tomato sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the flavorful sauce.
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Add the Mozzarella: Stir in the shredded smoked mozzarella cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce and create a creamy texture.
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Serve: To finish, sprinkle the dish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy this deliciously comforting meal with your loved ones.
This hearty and satisfying pasta dish is a perfect weeknight dinner that’s quick to prepare but full of flavor. Whether you use hot or regular sausage, the balance of smoky cheese, zesty tomatoes, and savory sausage will make this a family favorite. It’s a beautiful reminder of the warm meals my mother lovingly prepared for our family, and I’m so happy to share it with you.
