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
Scale
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.
