Basil Italian sausage is an irresistible and flavorful dish that combines the aromatic basil herb with the savory taste of Italian sausage. This recipe is perfect for a hearty and satisfying dinner, and it's also a great addition to any potluck or gathering. In this article, we will walk you through the steps of creating this delicious dish and provide some tips and tricks to help you make the most out of this recipe. So, let's get started and learn how to make this classic Italian dish.
Ingredients
Basil Italian Sausage
1 pound Italian sausage
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 can diced tomatoes
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
1 pound pasta of your choice
Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Basil Pesto Sauce
2 cups fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup pine nuts
2 cloves garlic
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
To start off, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the Italian sausage and cook until it is browned and fully cooked. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic and cook until they are soft and fragrant. Then, add the chopped bell peppers and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Next, add the can of diced tomatoes and bring the mixture to a simmer. Once it starts to simmer, add the cooked sausage back into the skillet and stir to combine all the ingredients.
Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow all the flavors to come together and create a delicious and hearty sauce.
In the meantime, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Once it is cooked, drain it and set it aside.
While the pasta is cooking, make the basil pesto sauce. In a food processor, add the basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Pulse until all the ingredients are finely chopped.
Then, slowly drizzle in the olive oil while the food processor is running. Continue pulsing until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
Once the pasta is cooked and drained, toss it with the basil pesto sauce until it is fully coated.
Finally, to serve, place a portion of the pasta onto a plate and top it with the basil Italian sausage mixture. Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top and enjoy a delicious and flavorful meal.
Tips and Tricks
- For a spicier version, use hot Italian sausage instead of mild.
- You can also add some red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick.
- If you don't have a food processor, you can make the pesto sauce by finely chopping all the ingredients and mixing them together in a bowl.
- To make this dish vegetarian, substitute the Italian sausage with some diced tofu or your favorite meatless alternative.
In Conclusion
This basil Italian sausage recipe is a perfect combination of bold flavors and simple ingredients. It's easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. So, the next time you're craving a hearty and delicious meal, give this recipe a try and impress your friends and family with your cooking skills!
HTML Code
<h2>Ingredients</h2>
<h3>Basil Italian Sausage</h3>
<p>1 pound Italian sausage</p>
<p>1 tablespoon olive oil</p>
<p>1 onion, chopped</p>
<p>2 cloves garlic, minced</p>
<p>1 red bell pepper, chopped</p>
<p>1 green bell pepper, chopped</p>
<p>1 can diced tomatoes</p>
<p>1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped</p>
<p>Salt and pepper to taste</p>
<p>1 pound pasta of your choice</p>
<p>Grated Parmesan cheese for serving</p>
<h3>Basil Pesto Sauce</h3>
<p>2 cups fresh basil leaves</p>
<p>1/4 cup pine nuts</p>
<p>2 cloves garlic</p>
<p>1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese</p>
<p>1/2 cup olive oil</p>
<p>Salt and pepper to taste</p>
<h2>Instructions</h2>
<p>To start off, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the Italian sausage and cook until it is browned and fully cooked. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.</p>
<p>In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic and cook until they are soft and fragrant. Then, add the chopped bell peppers and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.</p>
<p>Next, add the can of diced tomatoes and bring the mixture to a simmer. Once it starts to simmer, add the cooked sausage back into the skillet and stir to combine all the ingredients.</p>
<p>Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow all the flavors to come together and create a delicious and hearty sauce.</p>
<p>In the meantime, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Once it is cooked, drain it and set it aside.</p>
<p>While the pasta is cooking, make the basil pesto sauce. In a food processor, add the basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Pulse until all the ingredients are finely chopped.</p>
<p>Then, slowly drizzle in the olive oil while the food processor is running. Continue pulsing until the sauce is smooth and well combined.</p>
<p>Once the pasta is cooked and drained, toss it with the basil pesto sauce until it is fully coated.</p>
<p>Finally, to serve, place a portion of the pasta onto a plate and top it with the basil Italian sausage mixture. Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top and enjoy a delicious and flavorful meal.</p>
<h2>Tips and Tricks</h2>
<p>- For a spicier version, use hot Italian sausage instead of mild.</p>
<p>- You can also add some red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick.</p>
<p>- If you don't have a food processor, you can make the pesto sauce by finely chopping all the ingredients and mixing them together in a bowl.</p>
<p>- To make this dish vegetarian, substitute the Italian sausage with some diced tofu or your favorite meatless alternative.</p>
<h2>In Conclusion</h2>
<p>This basil Italian sausage recipe is a perfect combination of bold flavors and simple ingredients. It's easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. So, the next time you're craving a hearty and delicious meal, give this recipe a try and impress your friends and family with your cooking skills!</p>