Basil Pesto Penne with Italian Sausage and Summer Squash

Name: Basil Pesto Penne with Italian Sausage and Summer Squash
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 7 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 pound mild Italian sausage (casings removed); 1.5 pound penne pasta (uncooked); 1 jar basil pesto; 2 zucchinis (diced); 2 cup cherry tomatoes (whole); 0.5 cup parmesan cheese (grated); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Tender penne pasta tossed in vibrant basil pesto with browned Italian sausage, diced zucchini, and burst cherry tomatoes.

Prep: 15 min
Cook: 15 min
Total: 30 min
Servings: 7
Cuisine: Italian
Difficulty: Easy
Cost: $3.80/serving

Dietary

Nut-Free
Soy-Free
Egg-Free
High-Protein
Low-Sugar

Ingredients

2 pound mild Italian sausage (casings removed)
1.5 pound penne pasta (uncooked)
1 jar basil pesto
2 zucchinis (diced)
2 cup cherry tomatoes (whole)
0.5 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne pasta for 10-11 minutes until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup starchy pasta water.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add mild Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through to 160°F.
Add diced zucchini and cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until zucchini is tender and tomatoes begin to burst. Season with salt and black pepper.
Reduce heat to low. Add cooked penne pasta, basil pesto, and reserved pasta water. Toss well until warmed through and coated. Top with grated parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

Use turkey Italian sausage if a leaner meat option is preferred.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 1021
Protein: 42.5 g
Carbohydrates: 83.8 g
Fat: 58.3 g
Fiber: 6.4 g
Sodium: 1847 mg
Saturated Fat: 15.6 g
Sugar: 5.7 g
Cholesterol: 101 mg