If you’re craving a dish that delivers a bold punch of flavor with the perfect balance of spice, savoriness, and fresh greens, this Spicy Paccheri with Sausage & Greens Recipe is definitely a winner. Imagine tender, tube-shaped paccheri pasta enveloped in a luscious sauce made from spicy Italian sausage, garlic, and smoky paprika, all lifted by vibrant leafy greens and a bright hit of lemon. This dish offers a satisfying combination of textures and colors that make every bite a joy to savor. It’s simple enough for a weeknight meal but impressive enough to share with friends around the dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays an important role, blending together to create a dish that tastes complex yet feels comforting. From the hearty sausage to the fresh greens and tangy lemon, these basics come together beautifully without any fuss.
- 12 ounces paccheri pasta: The large tubular shape holds onto the sauce perfectly, ensuring flavor in every bite.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the sausage and garlic evenly.
- 1 pound spicy Italian sausage (casings removed): Brings the bold, spicy character that defines this dish.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with an irresistible aromatic foundation.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Introduces a fiery kick that complements but never overwhelms.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Lends a subtle smoky depth that elevates the sausage flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors naturally.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth and spice complexity.
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth: Deglazes the pan, creating a silky sauce base.
- 5 cups chopped leafy greens (kale, chard, or spinach): Provides freshness, texture, and vivid color contrast.
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water: A secret weapon that helps the sauce cling beautifully to the paccheri.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds creamy, salty richness that pulls the dish together.
- Zest of 1 lemon: Brightens the rich flavors with a fresh citrus spark.
- Juice of 1/2 lemon: Balances the spice and richness with acidity.
- Additional Parmesan and crushed red pepper for serving: Optional extras for an elevated presentation and customizable heat.
How to Make Spicy Paccheri with Sausage & Greens Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Paccheri Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your paccheri pasta until it is al dente, meaning it’s tender but still has a lovely bite to it. Don’t forget to reserve about half a cup of the pasta water before draining – this starchy water is gold for making the sauce silky and smooth.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage after removing the casings, breaking it up with a spatula into small, browned pieces. This step gives your dish that smoky, meaty base packed with spice and flavor.
Step 3: Season and Sauté Aromatics
Next, stir in the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Let everything cook together for about a minute until the garlic is fragrant, giving your kitchen a heady, mouthwatering aroma that hints at the deliciousness to come.
Step 4: Deglaze and Add Greens
Pour in the white wine or chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping the bottom to lift all those brown bits full of flavor. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes. Then add the chopped leafy greens and cook until wilted but still vibrant, which usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Finally, add the drained paccheri to the skillet along with the reserved pasta water, grated Parmesan, lemon zest, and juice. Toss everything well over medium heat to coat the pasta in the creamy, spicy, and tangy sauce. This finishing step brings all the elements together in perfect harmony.
How to Serve Spicy Paccheri with Sausage & Greens Recipe
Garnishes
Serve your pasta hot, topped generously with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if you want a little more heat. A light drizzle of good quality olive oil adds a luxurious shine and flavor boost.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like crusty Italian bread to soak up every bit of the luscious sauce. A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette also provides a refreshing counterpoint to the spicy richness of the pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, try serving the Spicy Paccheri with Sausage & Greens Recipe in individual shallow bowls with a sprig of fresh herbs like parsley or basil on top. You could even add a light drizzle of chili oil for a restaurant-style finish that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. They will keep well for up to three days and stay flavorful thanks to the hearty sausage and robust greens.
Freezing
This dish freezes okay, but because of the fresh greens and cheese, the texture may change slightly. If freezing, store in a freezer-safe container for up to one month and try to use it sooner for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving at high power to prevent the sausage from drying out and the pasta from getting mushy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While paccheri’s large tubes are perfect for holding the sauce, rigatoni, penne, or even rigatoni work nicely too and will deliver similarly satisfying results.
What if I prefer less spice?
No problem at all. You can use mild Italian sausage instead of spicy and reduce the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your taste without sacrificing the dish’s deliciousness.
Can I make this vegetarian?
You can substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage or a hearty mix of sautéed mushrooms and smoked paprika for depth. Just be sure to season well for flavor.
What greens work best in this recipe?
Kale adds a lovely texture and bite, but Swiss chard, spinach, or even a mix of bitter and tender greens will all complement the spicy sausage beautifully.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! It holds up well in the fridge and reheats nicely, making it a fantastic option for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to bring something exciting yet comforting to your table, I cannot recommend the Spicy Paccheri with Sausage & Greens Recipe enough. It’s a vibrant, satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare yet looks and tastes like you spent hours on it. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it over and over again, sharing it with friends, and enjoying the perfect blend of spice, savoriness, and fresh greens all in one bowl.
Print
Spicy Paccheri with Sausage & Greens Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Nut-Free
Description
This Spicy Paccheri with Sausage & Greens is a flavorful Italian pasta dish featuring tender paccheri pasta tossed with spicy Italian sausage, aromatic garlic, smoky paprika, and vibrant leafy greens. Enhanced with a splash of white wine or chicken broth, lemon zest, and Parmesan cheese, it creates a creamy, spicy, and tangy sauce that’s perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Pasta and Greens
- 12 ounces paccheri pasta
- 5 cups chopped leafy greens (such as kale, chard, or spinach)
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
Meat and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound spicy Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Liquids and Cheese
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Additional Parmesan and crushed red pepper for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the paccheri pasta and cook until al dente, following package instructions, usually about 11-13 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta. Set pasta aside.
- Brown the Sausage: While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the spicy Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 7-8 minutes.
- Sauté Aromatics and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the cooked sausage. Cook for 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant and spices are well combined with the meat.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in 1/2 cup of dry white wine or chicken broth to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to reduce slightly and develop flavor.
- Cook the Greens: Add the chopped leafy greens to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the greens are wilted and tender, about 3-4 minutes.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained paccheri pasta back into the skillet with the sausage and greens. Pour in the reserved pasta water, then add 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Toss everything together thoroughly until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Transfer the pasta to serving plates. Top with additional grated Parmesan and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor.
Notes
- Use any sturdy green leafy vegetable you prefer; kale provides a nice texture while spinach offers a softer bite.
- To reduce spiciness, opt for mild Italian sausage and decrease the amount of red pepper flakes.
- This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple side salad to round out the meal.
