Savory Sausage Cavatelli for a Comforting Dinner Delight

Oh, let me tell you about this amazing dish I’ve been making for family dinners—Savory Sausage Cavatelli! It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, you know? The kind of meal that makes you want to linger at the table, maybe share a few stories, and just enjoy good company… It has that perfect blend of rich, flavorful sausage mixed with the chewy goodness of homemade cavatelli. Honestly, every bite feels a bit special. And it’s just so satisfying, especially on a chilly evening.

Why You’ll Crave It

• Hearty sausage perfectly complements the soft, chewy cavatelli.
• Simple ingredients come together for a rich, comforting flavor.
• It’s great for family dinners or gatherings with friends.
• The aroma while cooking? Oh, it just fills the house with goodness!
• Leftovers (if any) are just as delicious the next day—seriously!

The first time I made this, my family couldn’t stop raving about it—it disappeared so fast!

What You’ll Need

• Fresh cavatelli pasta: 250g, you’ll want it nice and fluffy
• Italian sausage: 400g, get your favorite—spicy or sweet, both work
• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons, for that rich flavor
• Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped, it adds sweetness
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced, because garlic loves pasta!
• Fresh basil: a handful, chopped, a pop of color and flavor
• Red chili flakes: a pinch (optional), if you like a little heat
• Parmesan cheese: to serve, the more the merrier!
• Salt and pepper: to taste, of course!

Easy How-To

Get Everything Ready

First things first, gather all your ingredients… This step is key for smooth sailing ahead! You know, nothing worse than scrambling around when the pasta is boiling. Just make sure everything is chopped and ready to go.

Cook the Sausage

Now, grab a large frying pan and set it over medium heat. Toss in the sausage—breaking it apart as it cooks, so it gets nice and golden. It’ll smell heavenly, trust me!

Aromatics Time

Once your sausage is looking all browned and delicious, add in the onion and garlic. Stir this around until the onion becomes translucent… oh, the fragrance will just fill your kitchen! It’s like magic.

Let’s Add Tomatoes

Then, you’ll want to pour in those canned diced tomatoes. Mix it up well, and let it all simmer together for about 10 to 15 minutes. This is when those flavors really merge… It’s so worth the wait!

Cook the Cavatelli

While that’s happening, put a pot of salt water on to boil. Once boiling, add the cavatelli and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Don’t forget—reserve a little pasta water before you drain it. You’ll thank me later!

Bringing it All Together

Now, add the drained cavatelli into that wonderful sauce in the frying pan… Toss everything together, adding the reserved pasta water a little at a time until it reaches the right sauce consistency. It’s like bringing a family together—lots of stirring and mixing!

Final Touches

Finally, season with salt, pepper, and any extra herbs you love… and sprinkle in that freshly grated parmesan cheese. Stir it all one last time, and voila!

Serve It Up

Serve this comforting dish hot, maybe with a little extra cheese on top or a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Just imagine everyone around the table, forks in hand, ready to dig in…

Good to Know

• Feel free to experiment with different types of sausage—you might find a new favorite!
• If you can’t find cavatelli, other pasta shapes like fusilli or penne work perfectly too.
• Add some veggies, like spinach or bell peppers, to boost nutrition and flavor.

Serving Ideas

• Pair with a simple green salad and some crusty bread for a complete meal.

Top Tricks

• For an extra depth of flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine after cooking the sausage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought cavatelli instead of making it from scratch?

Absolutely! Store-bought cavatelli is totally fine and saves a ton of time.

What type of sausage works best for this recipe?

Italian sausage, whether you prefer it spicy or mild, really brings the dish together beautifully.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

You bet! Just swap out the sausage for a plant-based option or even some hearty veggies. It’ll be delightful!

How can I store leftovers?

Leftovers can hang out in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Just give it a good reheat before diving in!

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, indeed! You can freeze it unbaked. Just thaw it completely before cooking to enjoy later!

Conclusion

Creating sausage cavatelli is one of those recipes that really brings comfort… It’s not just about the food, but the memories shared around the table. With the savory sausage and rich tomato sauce, it’s a winning combination any day of the week. Trust me, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite!

More recipe suggestions and combinations

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