Whole Wheat Rotini with Spicy Sausage and Mustard Greens

Whole Wheat Rotini with Spicy Sausage and Mustard Greens Recipe from Italy

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

This Whole Wheat Rotini with Spicy Sausage and Mustard Greens recipe is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. The combination of spicy sausage, tender mustard greens, and creamy cheese creates a flavorful and satisfying meal that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on a classic Italian pasta dish. The use of whole wheat rotini adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber to the dish, while the spicy sausage and mustard greens give it a unique and delicious kick. This recipe is a great way to incorporate more greens into your diet while still enjoying a comforting and filling meal.

Ingredients

14 oz (397 g) can of chicken broth, divided
4 qt (3.78 liter) of water
13 oz (369 g) package of uncooked whole wheat rotini
cooking spray
1.5 cups of chopped yellow onion
2 minced garlic cloves
1 lb (454 g) of hot turkey italian sausage
8 oz (227 g) bagged pre-washed cut mustard greens
0.5 cup of half-and-half
0.5 cup of grated fresh pecorino romano cheese
0.5 tsp of kosher salt
0.25 tsp of freshly ground black pepper

How to prepare

Place 0.5 cup of broth in a small saucepan over medium heat and simmer until reduced to 3 tbsp
Remove from heat.
Combine water and the remaining broth in a large Dutch oven, then bring to a boil over high heat and stir in the pasta.
Cook uncovered for 10 minutes, then drain well.
Place the pasta in a large bowl and keep it warm.
Heat a Dutch oven over medium heat.
Coat the pan with cooking spray.
Add the onion and cook for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Remove the casings from the sausage and add the sausage to the pan.
Cook for 6 minutes, stirring to crumble.
Stir in the greens and cook for 2 minutes.
Add the reduced stock, half and half, and cheese.
Cook for 4 minutes, stirring frequently.
Add the sausage mixture to the pasta and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Toss well to combine.
Serve immediately.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage or tofu.
You can use different types of greens, such as kale or spinach, in place of the mustard greens.
Add some red pepper flakes for extra heat, or top with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a burst of freshness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when combined with the other ingredients.

- Make sure to remove the casings from the sausage before cooking to ensure that it crumbles easily.

- Feel free to adjust the level of spiciness by using mild or hot sausage, depending on your preference.

- For a creamier dish, you can add more half-and-half or cheese to the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of red wine pairs well with the spicy sausage and cheese flavors.

Cooking Techniques

The key to this recipe is to cook the pasta al dente and to brown the sausage well to develop flavor. Be sure to stir the sauce frequently to prevent it from sticking to the pan.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have mustard greens, you can use kale, spinach, or Swiss chard instead. You can also use any type of sausage you prefer, such as sweet Italian sausage or chicken sausage.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and toss it with freshly cooked pasta.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a pop of color and flavor. Serve it in a large pasta bowl for a rustic and inviting presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette. A glass of Chianti or Pinot Noir complements the flavors of the sausage and cheese.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave the dish until heated through, or reheat on the stovetop over low heat.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this dish contains approximately 450 calories. This makes it a satisfying and filling meal that is perfect for a hearty dinner.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this dish contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates. The whole wheat rotini provides complex carbohydrates that will keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Fats

This dish contains approximately 20 grams of fat per serving. The fats come from the sausage, cheese, and half-and-half, which add richness and flavor to the dish.

Proteins

Each serving of this dish contains approximately 25 grams of protein. The sausage is a great source of protein, while the cheese and greens also contribute to the protein content.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin A and iron from the mustard greens. The sausage also provides essential nutrients like zinc and B vitamins.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese and half-and-half) and gluten (whole wheat rotini). It may not be suitable for those with dairy or gluten allergies.

Summary

Overall, this Whole Wheat Rotini with Spicy Sausage and Mustard Greens recipe is a balanced and nutritious meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

This Whole Wheat Rotini with Spicy Sausage and Mustard Greens recipe is a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for a cozy night in. The combination of spicy sausage, tender greens, and creamy cheese creates a flavorful dish that is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Whole Wheat Rotini with Spicy Sausage and Mustard Greens. It was a cool autumn evening, and I had just finished preparing a simple dinner of roast chicken and vegetables when my old friend, Mrs. Thompson, dropped by for a visit. Mrs. Thompson was always full of surprises, and on this particular evening, she handed me a worn, stained piece of paper with the recipe scrawled in her elegant handwriting.

"Try this out, dear," she said with a twinkle in her eye. "I think you'll enjoy it."

I thanked Mrs. Thompson profusely and promised to give the recipe a try. Little did I know that this simple act of kindness would lead me on a culinary adventure that would span decades and bring me closer to the people and places that shaped my love for cooking.

The next day, I set out to gather the ingredients for the dish. I made my way to the local market, where I picked up a pound of spicy Italian sausage, a bunch of fresh mustard greens, and a box of whole wheat rotini. As I walked through the aisles, I couldn't help but think of all the different flavors and textures that would come together to create this unique and delicious meal.

Back at home, I set to work preparing the dish. I started by browning the sausage in a large skillet, savoring the rich, spicy aroma that filled the kitchen. Next, I added the chopped mustard greens and let them wilt down, releasing their peppery flavor into the mix. Finally, I tossed in the cooked rotini and a generous dollop of whole grain mustard, stirring everything together until it was well combined.

As I sat down to enjoy my first bite of Whole Wheat Rotini with Spicy Sausage and Mustard Greens, I was transported to a world of bold flavors and comforting textures. The heat of the sausage was balanced perfectly by the bitterness of the greens, while the chewy rotini provided a satisfying base for the dish. I couldn't believe how something so simple could be so incredibly delicious.

From that day on, Whole Wheat Rotini with Spicy Sausage and Mustard Greens became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I would make it for family dinners, potlucks with friends, and even the occasional dinner party. Each time I prepared the dish, I would think of Mrs. Thompson and the gift she had given me – not just a recipe, but a connection to a world of food and flavors that I had never experienced before.

Over the years, I continued to experiment with the recipe, adding my own twists and variations to suit my taste. Sometimes I would use turkey sausage instead of pork, or swap out the mustard greens for kale or spinach. Other times, I would throw in a handful of cherry tomatoes or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor.

But no matter how many times I made it or how many changes I made, the essence of the dish remained the same – a celebration of simple, honest ingredients that came together to create something truly special. Whole Wheat Rotini with Spicy Sausage and Mustard Greens was more than just a recipe to me; it was a reminder of the joy and wonder that cooking could bring into my life.

As I sit here now, reflecting on all the memories and moments that this dish has brought me, I can't help but feel grateful for Mrs. Thompson and her simple act of kindness. She may have just given me a recipe, but in doing so, she opened up a world of possibilities and experiences that have enriched my life in ways I could have never imagined.

So the next time you find yourself in the kitchen, preparing a meal for yourself or your loved ones, remember the power of a simple recipe. It may just be the key to unlocking a world of wonder and joy that will stay with you for a lifetime. And who knows – maybe one day, you'll pass that recipe on to someone else, sparking their own culinary adventure and creating a connection that will last for generations to come.