Fusilli with Giardiniera and Sausage

This easy recipe derives its big flavor from a surprising yet easy-to-find convenience product: pickled Italian vegetables, also known as giardiniera. In this clever dish, we called upon the giardiniera to do double duty: The vegetables themselves added crunch and flavor—and saved us from having to prep a number of ingredients—while the brine added bright, tangy notes to the sauce. Browned Italian sausage, sautéed onions, chopped giardiniera vegetables, and canned tomato sauce gave us a boldly flavored sauce in shockingly little time. Chopped basil added a fresh finishing touch. Look for giardiniera either at the olive bar in the supermarket or next to the jarred pickles; one (16-ounce) jar of giardiniera will yield enough for this recipe. Nutritional information can be found following the recipe.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
• 2 onions, chopped fine
• 1 (15-ounce) can of tomato sauce
• 3 cups giardiniera pickled vegetables, drained with 6 tablespoons brine reserved, and chopped coarse
• 1 pound fusilli
• Salt and pepper
• ½ cup chopped fresh basil

PREPARATIONS:

1. Cook the sausage in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink, about 4 minutes.
2. Stir in the chopped onions and cook until softened and lightly browned, approximately 10 to 12 minutes.
3. Add the tomato sauce, giardiniera, and 4 tablespoons of the brine to the skillet. Simmer until the sauce thickens, about 10 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, bring 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Add the fusilli pasta and 1 tablespoon of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente.
5. Reserve ½ cup of the cooking water, then drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
6. Add the sausage mixture, chopped basil, and 1 tablespoon of brine to the pasta. Toss everything together to combine.
7. Season with salt, pepper, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of brine to taste. Adjust the consistency by adding the reserved cooking water as needed.

YIELD: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• Giardiniera can be found either at the olive bar in the supermarket or next to the jarred pickles.
• One (16-ounce) jar of giardiniera will yield enough for this recipe.

TIPS:

• For a spicier version, look for hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• You can vary the pasta type according to your preference; penne or rigatoni would work well with this sauce too.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:

• Calories: 430
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Carbohydrates: 68g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sodium: 1760mg

This quick and easy Italian sausage and giardiniera pasta dish is a delightful example of how a few simple ingredients can come together to create a burst of flavors. The secret ingredient in this recipe, giardiniera, adds a unique tanginess and crunch to the dish, making it a delightful surprise for your taste buds.

The convenience of pickled Italian vegetables not only saves preparation time but also infuses the sauce with a vibrant and bright character. The browned Italian sausage provides a savory foundation, while the sautéed onions add a hint of sweetness and depth to the dish. The chopped basil brings a fresh and aromatic touch, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

The choice of fusilli pasta ensures that the sauce clings perfectly to each twist and turn of the pasta, allowing every bite to be a burst of deliciousness. However, feel free to experiment with other pasta shapes to suit your preference.

While this dish is already packed with flavors, you can always add a bit of spiciness by using hot Italian sausage or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste to make it truly your own.

With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is a winner for busy weeknights or when you need to impress guests with minimal effort. Whether you find giardiniera at the olive bar or alongside the pickles, this clever condiment will undoubtedly become a staple in your pantry.

In conclusion, try this Italian sausage and giardiniera pasta dish for an easy, flavorful, and satisfying meal that brings together the best of Italian flavors in a single bowl.