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If you’re searching for a dish that delivers big flavor with a cozy, satisfying vibe, the Spicy Paccheri with Sausage & Greens Recipe is an absolute must-try. This recipe is a brilliant combination of hearty paccheri pasta, spicy Italian sausage, and vibrant fresh greens, all brought together with a garlicky, slightly fiery tomato sauce. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself to a special night in. The textures—from the tender pasta to the savory sausage and wilted greens—make every bite a delicious adventure.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Spicy Paccheri with Sausage & Greens Recipe plays a starring role, combining simple, fresh elements to create a rich and lively flavor profile. These essentials balance heartiness, spice, and freshness for a dish that’s as beautiful on the plate as it is on your palate.
- 12 oz paccheri pasta: The large, tubular shape soaks up sauce beautifully and offers a fun, chewy texture.
- 1 lb spicy Italian sausage: Adds bold, savory heat—make sure to remove the casing for easy crumbling.
- 2 cups fresh greens (spinach, kale, or Swiss chard): Provides color, nutrition, and a slight earthiness that balances the richness.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Offers the ideal kick; adjust based on your heat preference.
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh): Creates a vibrant, tangy base for the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps sauté ingredients while adding a subtle fruity richness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and highlighting all flavors.
- Fresh basil, for garnish: Adds a fragrant, herbal brightness at the end.
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving: Brings a nutty, salty finish that melts perfectly on the warm pasta.
How to Make Spicy Paccheri with Sausage & Greens Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Paccheri
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the paccheri according to the package instructions until it reaches that perfect al dente texture. This ensures the pasta has a slight bite, preventing it from becoming mushy once it’s mixed with the sauce. Once cooked, drain and set aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
In a spacious skillet, warm your olive oil over medium heat. Add the spicy Italian sausage after removing its casing and use a wooden spoon to crumble it as it cooks. Let it brown beautifully, which should take around five to seven minutes. Browning develops robust flavors that will be the backbone of your sauce.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes
Once your sausage looks nicely caramelized, stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook them for about a minute more—just until the garlic becomes fragrant. This step infuses the dish with that signature aromatic punch and a gentle heat that complements the sausage perfectly.
Step 4: Wilt the Greens
Next, toss your fresh greens into the skillet. Whether you choose spinach, kale, or Swiss chard, give them a few minutes to wilt down and blend with the sausage mixture. This adds a fresh, slightly bitter layer that brightens the overall flavor and makes the dish more balanced and nutritious.
Step 5: Simmer with Tomatoes
Pour in the diced tomatoes, stirring everything together as you season with salt and pepper to taste. Let this simmer gently for about five minutes to allow the flavors to marry beautifully. The tomatoes add a subtle acidity and body, tying the sausage and greens into a cohesive, saucy delight.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Return the cooked paccheri to the skillet and toss thoroughly so each piece of pasta is enveloped in that rich, spicy sauce. This step melds everything together—bringing the creamy sausage, vibrant greens, and tangy tomatoes into perfect harmony with the pasta’s tender bite.
Step 7: Serve Immediately
Plate the pasta with a flourish by scattering fresh basil leaves on top and grating a generous amount of Parmesan cheese. These finishing touches lift the dish, giving it an irresistible aroma and an extra layer of flavor that will have everyone at your table asking for seconds.
How to Serve Spicy Paccheri with Sausage & Greens Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil doesn’t just add a pop of green—it imparts a sweet herbal note that cuts through the richness. A shower of grated Parmesan cheese lends a salty, nutty finish that melts on contact, enhancing every mouthful of this scrumptious dish.
Side Dishes
For a well-rounded meal, pair this spicy paccheri with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or a side of crunchy garlic bread. These sides provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, hearty pasta and complement its Italian roots beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish in rustic shallow bowls to show off the vibrant colors, or pile the pasta high on a large platter for family-style sharing. For an elegant touch, drizzle a bit of good-quality extra virgin olive oil or sprinkle some crushed red pepper on top for extra zing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Spicy Paccheri with Sausage & Greens Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will deepen, making the next day’s meal just as delicious as the first.
Freezing
If you want to save this dish for longer, freeze it in a freezer-safe container. Be sure to let the pasta cool completely before sealing and freezing. It will keep well for up to two months, perfect for nights when you crave something comforting and easy.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to restore sauciness if needed. Avoid the microwave when possible to maintain the texture of the pasta and sausage.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While paccheri is ideal because of its shape, rigatoni, penne, or even ziti will work nicely and soak up the sauce just as well.
What greens work best in this recipe?
Spinach is the most delicate, wilting quickly, while kale or Swiss chard offers a heartier bite and slightly earthier flavor. Feel free to mix them up based on your preference or what you have on hand.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Yes! Swap out the sausage for spicy plant-based crumbles or roasted chickpeas and keep the rest of the ingredients the same to enjoy a vegetarian take that still packs plenty of flavor.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat mainly comes from the spicy Italian sausage and red pepper flakes. You can easily adjust the pepper flakes to your liking, making it milder or hotter depending on your mood.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! You can cook the pasta and sausage mixture in advance and store them separately to combine just before serving, making weeknight dinners quick and stress-free.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about the Spicy Paccheri with Sausage & Greens Recipe. It’s a wonderful blend of bold flavors and comforting textures that feels like a warm embrace after a long day. Whether you’re cooking for friends, family, or just yourself, this dish promises to become one of your favorite go-tos. So why wait? Grab those ingredients and dive into this delicious Italian-inspired creation—you won’t regret it!
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Spicy Paccheri with Sausage & Greens Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Spicy Paccheri with Sausage & Greens is a hearty and flavorful Italian pasta dish featuring large tubular paccheri pasta tossed with spicy Italian sausage, fresh greens like spinach or kale, garlic, tomatoes, and red pepper flakes. This recipe balances savory sausage with the freshness of greens and a mild heat that can be adjusted to taste, finished with Parmesan cheese and basil for a classic Italian touch.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12 oz paccheri pasta
For the Sauce
- 1 lb spicy Italian sausage (remove casing)
- 2 cups fresh greens (spinach, kale, or Swiss chard)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
To Garnish
- Fresh basil, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
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, usually around 12-15 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and cooked through.
- Add Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes into the skillet with the sausage. Cook for 1 minute more until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Incorporate the Greens: Add the fresh greens to the skillet. Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes until the greens wilt and mix thoroughly with the sausage.
- Add Tomatoes and Season: Pour in the diced tomatoes and season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing all the flavors to blend together.
- Toss the Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained paccheri to the skillet and toss everything together carefully to coat the pasta well with the sausage and greens sauce.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the pasta hot. Garnish each plate with fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese to enhance the flavor and presentation.
Notes
- You can customize the heat level by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes.
- Fresh greens such as spinach, kale, or Swiss chard work equally well—choose your favorite or what’s in season.
- For a richer sauce, consider adding a splash of pasta cooking water when tossing the pasta to help the sauce adhere better.
- Make sure to remove casing from sausage for easier cooking and better texture distribution.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute sausage with plant-based crumble and omit cheese or use a vegan alternative.
