Penne With Sausage, Peas and Mascarpone: A Taste of Italian Comfort

This dish…it brings me back. Not to a fancy restaurant, but to my tiny apartment kitchen, circa 1998. I was a recent culinary school graduate, armed with more enthusiasm than experience, and constantly searching for recipes that were both impressive and achievable. Penne with Sausage, Peas, and Mascarpone was a revelation. The creamy sauce, the satisfying chew of the penne, the savory sausage – it was a hug in a bowl. It was a meal that made me feel like a real chef, even when I was just trying to impress my roommates. This recipe is more than just instructions, it’s a memory of a time when I was finding my way in the culinary world, one delicious dish at a time.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Dietary Type: Not specified

Ingredients

• 3/4 lb hot Italian sausage, casings removed
• 3/4 lb sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 1 1/4 cups whipping cream
• 3/4 cup low sodium chicken broth
• 1 lb penne
• 2 cups frozen peas
• 2/3 cup mascarpone cheese
• 3/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated

Equipment Needed

• Dutch oven
• Slotted spoon
• Large pot

Instructions

1. Begin by sautéing the hot and sweet Italian sausage in a Dutch oven over high heat. Be sure to break the sausage into small pieces using the back of a spoon as it cooks. This process should take approximately 12 minutes, or until the sausage is nicely browned.

2. Once the sausage is cooked through, use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a bowl, leaving the drippings behind in the Dutch oven.

3. Carefully pour off all but 1 tablespoon of the drippings from the Dutch oven. These flavorful drippings will form the base of your sauce.

4. Add the chopped onion to the Dutch oven and sauté until it becomes light brown and softened. This usually takes about 6 minutes. Keep an eye on the onions and stir them occasionally to prevent burning.

5. Pour in the whipping cream and bring the mixture to a boil. Let it boil for 5 minutes, allowing the cream to slightly reduce and thicken.

6. Add the low sodium chicken broth and continue to boil the mixture until it reduces to a sauce consistency. This typically takes around 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

7. Return the cooked sausage to the pot with the sauce, ensuring it’s well combined.

8. While the sauce is simmering, cook the penne in a large pot of boiling salted water. Cook the pasta until it is just tender but still firm to the bite – also known as al dente. This will ensure the pasta holds its shape and texture in the final dish.

9. As the pasta cooks, bring the sausage sauce to a simmer over medium heat.

10. Add the frozen peas and mascarpone cheese to the sauce. Simmer until the peas are tender, approximately 6 minutes. The mascarpone will melt into the sauce, creating a rich and creamy texture.

11. Once the penne is cooked to al dente, drain it thoroughly.

12. Add the drained pasta to the sauce in the Dutch oven and toss to coat evenly.

13. Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese, distributing it throughout the pasta and sauce.

14. Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed to enhance the flavors.

15. Finally, transfer the penne with sausage, peas, and mascarpone to a large bowl and serve immediately.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce while it simmers.
• If you can’t find mascarpone cheese, you can substitute it with a mixture of 6 tablespoons of cream cheese and 5 tablespoons of whipping cream. Be sure to blend well to achieve a smooth consistency.
• To prevent the pasta from sticking together, toss it with a little olive oil after draining.
• If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of pasta water to thin it out. The starch in the pasta water will also help the sauce cling to the pasta.
• Consider browning the sausage and onions in advance to save time on busy weeknights.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve this penne with a side of crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce. A simple green salad also makes a great accompaniment.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave the leftovers, but be careful not to overcook the pasta.

Freezing this dish is not recommended, as the sauce may separate and the pasta may become mushy upon thawing.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	825	N/A
Calories from Fat	417	51%
Total Fat	46.4 g	71%
Saturated Fat	22.1 g	110%
Cholesterol	138.9 mg	46%
Sodium	1007 mg	41%
Total Carbohydrate	72.4 g	24%
Dietary Fiber	10.8 g	43%
Sugars	3.6 g	14%
Protein	31.9 g	63%

Variations & Substitutions

• For a vegetarian option, replace the sausage with mushrooms or other vegetables.
• Use gluten-free penne for a gluten-free version of this dish.
• Try adding different herbs and spices to the sauce, such as basil, oregano, or thyme.
• For a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes or use a spicier Italian sausage.
• Substitute the peas with other vegetables, such as broccoli or spinach.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use dried pasta instead of fresh penne?
A: Absolutely! Dried penne works perfectly well in this recipe and is often more readily available. Just be sure to cook it according to the package directions until al dente.

Q: Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, cook the pasta and combine it with the sauce.

Q: What if I don’t have low sodium chicken broth?
A: If you don’t have low sodium chicken broth, you can use regular chicken broth. However, you may need to adjust the amount of salt added to the dish.

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese instead of mascarpone?
A: While mascarpone adds a unique richness, you can substitute it with cream cheese or ricotta cheese if needed. Just be sure to blend the cream cheese well to avoid lumps.

Q: How can I prevent the sauce from separating?
A: To prevent the sauce from separating, avoid boiling it over high heat for extended periods. Simmering the sauce gently will help maintain its creamy consistency.

Final Thoughts

Penne with Sausage, Peas, and Mascarpone is a dish that truly stands the test of time. Its comforting flavors and simple preparation make it a perfect weeknight meal, while its elegant presentation makes it suitable for special occasions. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the deliciousness for yourself. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations and make it your own. And most importantly, enjoy the process of creating a meal that will bring warmth and satisfaction to your table. Pair this delicious pasta dish with a crisp glass of Pinot Grigio for an unforgettable dining experience. Buon appetito!