For a pasta dish that is sure to satisfy diners of all ages, our wagon wheel pasta with sausage combines fun-shaped pasta with hearty turkey sausage. The turkey sausage offers a flavorful and meaty taste without overpowering the dish. To create a delicious sauce, we sautéed onions, garlic, and sausage, using a small amount of flour as a thickener. Simmering the pasta uncovered allowed the sauce to reduce and thicken, while grated Parmesan added a velvety sheen. The addition of baby spinach and peas lightened the dish, while chopped tarragon added an extra layer of interest for the adults. Although the spinach may appear abundant at first, it significantly reduces in volume as it cooks. If desired, Italian chicken sausage can be substituted for turkey sausage, and alternative pasta shapes can be used, though their measurements may vary. Refer to the recipe for nutritional information and find a quick prep tip below.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped fine
- 8 ounces sweet or hot Italian turkey sausage, casings removed
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 8 ounces (3 cups) wagon wheel (or rotelle) pasta
- 5 ounces (5 cups) baby spinach
- 2 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated (1 cup), plus extra for serving
- ½ cup frozen peas, thawed
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh tarragon (optional)
- Salt and pepper
PREPARATIONS:
- Heat olive oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened approximately 5 minutes.
- Stir in the turkey sausage, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, and cook until it is no longer pink about 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the chicken broth, water, and pasta to the skillet. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook at a vigorous simmer, stirring often, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened, approximately 15 to 18 minutes.
- Stir in the baby spinach, adding it gradually one handful at a time, and cook until wilted about 2 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan, thawed peas, and minced tarragon (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the pasta with an additional sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top.
YIELD:
- This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper according to personal taste preferences.
- Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavors of the dish.
- Serve the pasta with extra grated Parmesan on the side for those who want an extra cheesy kick.
TIPS:
- For a spicier version, use hot Italian turkey sausage instead of sweet.
- If desired, blanch the baby spinach in boiling water for a minute before adding it to the skillet to ensure it wilts evenly.
- To make it a complete meal, serve the pasta alongside a fresh green salad or garlic bread.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:
- Calories: 410
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Protein: 23g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sodium: 960mg
In conclusion, our wagon wheel pasta with sausage is a versatile and flavorful dish that caters to the entire family. The combination of wagon wheel pasta, turkey sausage, and vibrant vegetables creates a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed by both kids and adults. The simple preparation method and one-pan cooking make it a convenient option for busy weeknight dinners. By adjusting the choice of sausage and incorporating personal preferences for herbs and spices, this recipe can be customized to suit individual tastes. Serve it with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and enjoy a delightful and comforting pasta dish that will please everyone at the table.
