Description
A quick and delicious pasta dish featuring Italian sausage, tender asparagus, and a creamy or garlic butter sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe balances savory flavors with fresh lemon zest and optional spicy red pepper flakes for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sausage
- 12 ounces pasta (penne, rigatoni, or orecchiette)
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
Vegetables and Flavorings
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1–2 inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest or 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil (optional)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream (for creamy version)
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter (for garlic butter version)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Brown the Sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it into crumbles, until browned and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Sauté Garlic: If the skillet is dry after draining the sausage grease, add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the Asparagus: Add the asparagus pieces to the skillet. Cook for 3–5 minutes until tender-crisp and bright green, stirring occasionally.
- Make the Sauce: For the creamy version, reduce heat to medium-low and stir in heavy cream and ¼ to ½ cup of reserved pasta water. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. For a lighter garlic butter version, add 2 tablespoons butter and ¼ cup reserved pasta water, stirring until a light, glossy sauce forms.
- Combine: Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest or juice, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper.
- Finish and Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil if desired. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water to help create a silky sauce and adjust consistency.
- You can choose between a creamy sauce with heavy cream or a lighter garlic butter sauce.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for no heat.
- Use fresh lemon zest or juice to brighten the dish.
- Italian sausage choice (mild or spicy) can change the flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
