The layers of flavor, from the smokiness of the vegetables to the savory depth of the sausage, combined with slightly tangy flavaor of creme fraiche and a healthy dose of basil transfers this pasta dish into a cozy, crave-worthy meal that hits all the right notes. A sprinkle of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and basil completes the dish.
Key Ingredients in This Recipe
You’ll find the complete list of ingredients and exact quantities in the recipe below.
- Pasta – I used whole wheat rotini pasta, but any type of pasta will do. When you have a smooth sauce, like in this recipe, you can choose a long pasta and the sauce will cling along. Alternatively, you can choose a shorter pasta with ridges and twists and the sauce will easily get into those crevices.
- Chicken sausage – Mild or hot Italian sausage, Andouille or any other type are great substitutes.
- Zucchini
- Red bell pepper – orange of yellow bell pepper are fine too. All 3 will create a light orange colored sauce.
- Cherry tomatoes – or larger tomatoes, as long as they are ripe.
- Garlic
- Creme fraiche – you can also use cream cheese or Mascarpone cheese. Sour cream, ricotta and cottage cheese can also be use; be aware that they may change the mouthfeel of the sauce a little.
- Basil
- Parmigiano Reggiano cheese – other cheeses that work are Pecorino Romano, Grana Padano or Fontina. For non-Italian cheeses, you can choose cheddar, Gouda, Havarti.
- Spices – oregano, thyme, paprika powder, ginger powder, onion powder. This is an area where you can select those spices that you prefer.
How to Make Roasted Vegetable Pasta with Sausage
Step 1 – Transfer cut zucchini, bell pepper, tomatoes and garlic onto a baking dish lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt & pepper.
Roast for 20-30 minutes in an oven of 425 degrees F, or until tomatoes burst and garlic is softened.
Step 2 – Make the sauce by combining roasted vegetables, creme fraiche, basil and oregano, thyme, paprika powder, onion powder in a blender and process until smooth. Add salt & pepper to taste.
Step 3 – Saute the chicken sausages in a skillet, breaking up the meat, until brown.
Cook pasta according to the directions on the packaging. Drain and reserve a cup of pasta water, just in case you need it later.
Step 4 – Add sauce to the skillet with the meat and then add the pasta. Mix well. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water.
Divide the creamy pasta over two plates or two bowls. Top with Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and some basil. Make sure your plates or bowls are warm, pasta cools quickly.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Roasted Vegetable Pasta with Sausage
Pin Recipe FacebookIngredients
- 3 ounces pasta
- 10 ounces chicken sausage
- 1/4 cup Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, grated
- basil, garnish
For the Sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- 5 ounces tomatoes, any type of ripe tomatoes will work
- 3 ounces bell pepper, about 1/2 pepper
- 5 ounces zucchini, small-medium size
- 2 ounces creme fraiche
- 1/2 ounce basil
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
- Transfer cut zucchini, bell pepper, tomatoes and garlic onto the baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt & pepper. Roast for 20-30 minutes in the oven or until tomatoes burst and garlic is softened.
- Make the sauce by combining roasted vegetables, creme fraiche, basil and oregano, thyme, paprika powder, onion powder in a blender and process until smooth. Add salt & pepper to taste.
- Cook pasta according to the directions on the packaging. Drain and reserve a cup of pasta water, just in case you need it later.
- Saute the chicken sausages in a skillet, breaking up the meat, until brown.
- Add sauce to the skillet with the meat and then add the pasta. Mix well. Add reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
- Divide the creamy pasta over two plates or two bowls. Top with Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and some basil.
Notes
- If you want a vegetarian pasta, leave out the sausage or find a vegan alternative.
- If you want a vegan pasta, leave out the sausage, use vegan cream cheese and vegan parmesan.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.