Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb. casatella pasta
- 1 lb. Italian sausage, sliced
- 2 red bell peppers, sliced
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet for cooking sausage and peppers
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add casatella pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes or until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sliced Italian sausage and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add sliced red bell peppers, yellow onion, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until vegetables are tender, about 10-12 minutes.
4. Add cooked casatella pasta to the skillet and toss with sausage and peppers. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta and serve hot.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
- Skillet should be heated to medium-high heat
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 4-6 people
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 550
- Fat: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Protein: 23g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Casatella pasta can be substituted with any other short pasta such as penne or rigatoni.
- Italian sausage can be substituted with chicken or turkey sausage.
- Red bell peppers can be substituted with green or yellow bell peppers.
Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet for an extra vegetable.
- Use spicy Italian sausage for a kick of heat.
- Add a can of diced tomatoes to the skillet for a saucier dish.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to slice the sausage and peppers thinly for even cooking.
- Don't overcook the vegetables, they should be tender but still have a slight crunch.
- Reserve some pasta water to add to the skillet if the dish is too dry.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve in a large pasta bowl and sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
Garnishes:
- Chopped parsley or basil
Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dish is too dry, add some reserved pasta water to the skillet.
- If the sausage is not cooked through, slice it thinner or cook it for a few more minutes.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the sausage to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is fully cooked.
Food history:
- Casatella pasta is a short, tube-shaped pasta that originated in Italy.
Flavor profiles:
- This dish is savory and slightly spicy from the Italian sausage, with a sweet and slightly crunchy texture from the peppers.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve hot as a main dish for dinner.
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Region: Italian