If you love bold flavors packed into every bite, you are going to adore this Spicy Paccheri with Sausage & Greens Recipe. It’s a brilliant marriage of tender paccheri pasta with spicy Italian sausage and vibrant leafy greens, all enveloped in a luxuriously creamy, smoky tomato sauce that warms both the heart and palate. This dish feels special enough for a cozy weekend dinner yet simple enough to whip up any night of the week, making it an irresistible go-to for anyone craving a saucy, satisfying Italian comfort meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this recipe is a joy because each one brings something wonderful to the table, creating a perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. From spicy sausage to fresh greens and creamy Parmesan, every element plays a key role.
- 12 ounces paccheri pasta: Its large tube shape holds sauce beautifully for maximum flavor in every bite.
- 1 pound spicy Italian sausage, casings removed: Adds a bold, savory kick that defines the dish’s character.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing and adding richness to the sauce.
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped: Provides sweetness and aromatic depth.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a fragrant, slightly spicy warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Adjust to control the heat level just right.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle sharpness and complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Offers smoky depth that complements the sausage perfectly.
- 1/4 cup tomato paste: Concentrated tomato that boosts the sauce’s richness.
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes: Delivers freshness and acidity to brighten the sauce.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Keeps the sauce silky and helps meld the flavors together.
- 3 cups baby kale or chopped spinach: Adds vibrant green color and wonderful earthiness.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Coats everything with luscious creaminess.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts in for umami richness and slightly nutty notes.
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional): Provides a fresh herbal finish to brighten the dish before serving.
How to Make Spicy Paccheri with Sausage & Greens Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Paccheri
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the paccheri pasta and cook according to the package instructions until just al dente. This ensures the pasta has the perfect bite to hold up against the hearty sauce. Be sure to reserve half a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining, as this starchy liquid will help loosen the sauce later.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add the spicy Italian sausage. Remove the casings for perfect crumbles. Cook the sausage thoroughly, breaking it apart with your spoon as it browns. This step is crucial to infusing the dish with a deep, spicy meatiness.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Once the sausage is browned, add the finely chopped onion to the skillet. Let it soften for 3 to 4 minutes so its natural sweetness comes forward. Then stir in the minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook everything together for about 30 seconds until the aroma is fragrant and inviting.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for a minute. This step deepens the tomato flavor beautifully. Then add crushed tomatoes and chicken broth to the pan. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld into a rich, smokey base.
Step 5: Add the Greens
Now it’s time to toss in the baby kale or chopped spinach. Cook just long enough for the greens to wilt, preserving their vibrant color and fresh flavor. This addition balances the richness of the sausage and cream with some earthy greens.
Step 6: Finish with Cream and Cheese
Turn the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream followed by the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce turns silky smooth.
Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained paccheri pasta to the skillet and toss until evenly coated in that luscious sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency. This step brings everything together, coating each large pasta tube in spicy, creamy goodness.
How to Serve Spicy Paccheri with Sausage & Greens Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing your Spicy Paccheri with Sausage & Greens Recipe with fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley adds an elegant pop of color and brightness that complements the creamy, hearty sauce wonderfully. A little extra grated Parmesan on top never hurts either!
Side Dishes
To make your meal complete, consider a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some crusty Italian bread to soak up every last bit of the sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts also make a flavorful and healthful accompaniment.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the pasta on warm plates and garnish with a swirl of cream or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil. Adding a few fresh chili flakes on top can highlight its spicy character if you want to impress guests. This dish shines beautifully even when served family-style straight from the skillet.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before reheating as the sauce may thicken in the fridge.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if you want to save some for later. Place cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container or bag, leaving some room for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Alternatively, warm it in the microwave, stopping to stir occasionally to heat evenly without drying out the pasta.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While paccheri is ideal due to its tubular shape that captures sauce, rigatoni or penne can also work beautifully if you can’t find paccheri.
How can I adjust the spice level?
You can easily tweak the heat by increasing or decreasing the crushed red pepper flakes. For a milder version, omit the pepper flakes altogether and use mild sausage.
Can I substitute the greens with other vegetables?
Yes! Broccoli rabe or Swiss chard make excellent alternatives to kale or spinach, offering a slight bitterness that pairs well with the sausage and tomato sauce.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe itself is gluten-free if you use gluten-free paccheri or substitute with a gluten-free pasta of your choice. Always check the sausage label to ensure no gluten-containing fillers are included.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To go meatless, swap the sausage for plant-based sausage or add mushrooms for a hearty texture and umami flavor. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it vegetarian.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that combines fiery spice, creamy indulgence, and fresh greens into one joyous plate, the Spicy Paccheri with Sausage & Greens Recipe will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen. It’s straightforward to prepare, super comforting, and perfect for sharing with friends or family. Give it a try and enjoy every delicious bite!
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Spicy Paccheri with Sausage & Greens Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A deliciously spicy and hearty Italian pasta dish featuring paccheri pasta tossed with savory spicy Italian sausage, tender greens, and a creamy tomato sauce enriched with Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal with a balanced blend of bold flavors and comforting textures.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces paccheri pasta
Sausage & Sauce
- 1 pound spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Greens & Finishing
- 3 cups baby kale or chopped spinach
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the paccheri pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
- Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the spicy Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through.
- Sauté Onion and Aromatics: Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet with the cooked sausage. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Stir in minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen its flavor.
- Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Wilt the Greens: Add baby kale or chopped spinach to the sauce and cook until just wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Finish the Sauce: Reduce heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked paccheri to the skillet. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Use the reserved pasta cooking water as needed to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley if desired and serve the pasta hot for a flavorful meal.
Notes
- Adjust the heat level by varying the amount of crushed red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
- For variety, substitute the baby kale or spinach with broccoli rabe or Swiss chard.
- Reserved pasta water helps to loosen the sauce and create a silkier texture when tossing the pasta.
