Description
This One Pot Lemon Basil, Asparagus, and Sausage Pasta is a flavorful and creamy dish that combines tender Italian sausage, fresh asparagus, and zesty lemon in a rich, comforting pasta meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe uses a single pot to minimize cleanup while delivering a delicious spring-inspired main course with a touch of Italian flair.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 oz Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 bunch asparagus (trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the sausage: In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, and brown it thoroughly for about 5–6 minutes until fully cooked.
- Sauté garlic and seasonings: Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet with the sausage. Sauté together for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add pasta and liquids: Stir in the uncooked pasta, asparagus pieces, lemon zest, lemon juice, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low.
- Simmer pasta: Let the pasta simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 12–14 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed by the pasta and asparagus.
- Finish with cream and cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce becomes creamy and coats the pasta nicely.
- Add fresh basil and season: Remove the pot from heat and fold in the chopped fresh basil. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the pasta hot, optionally topped with additional fresh basil and Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Substitute asparagus with broccoli or green beans if preferred.
- For a lighter version, use chicken sausage or turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage.
- This dish tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep.
