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sausage ragu on penne pasta with pesto sauce

Sausage Ragu with Penne

basil pesto and Parmigiano-Reggiano

STARS

Inspired by the rich, hearty recipes from Bologna, Italy, this long-cooked meat sauce gets its distinct flavor from extra virgin olive oil, pork sausage, beef and chopped tomato. Tossed with penne and topped with shaved parmesan cheese and basil pesto.
difficultyDifficulty Level
EasyEasyEasy
difficulty
Total Time:  30 minutes
Active Time:  20 minutes
Ingredients

Ragu

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon chile flakes
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 3 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 carrots, diced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 pound spicy pork sausage
  • 1 15-ounce can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 15-ounce diced tomatoes
  • 8 ounces penne pasta

Pesto

  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 2 tablespoons pine nuts
  • ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese, plus more to serve
  • 2 cups basil leaves
  • ½ cup packed baby arugula 
  • ¼ teaspoon salt, to taste
  • Pinch black pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup olive oil
Directions
1
In a large stock pot, heat the oil and garlic over medium heat. Toast until golden. Add the chile flakes and toast for 1 minute. Add the onion, celery, carrots, salt and pepper and cook until fragrant and soft.
2
Add the sausage and cook until brown, breaking it into smaller pieces. Drain out the excess fat.
3
Add the crushed and diced tomatoes and bring to a boil. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, until flavorful, stirring regularly. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
4
Meanwhite, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions. Drain the pasta, return to the pot, and drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking.
5
Combine all of the pesto ingredients except the oil in a blender, food processor, or immersion blender. Process until mostly smooth. With the motor running, slowly add the oil until you reach a smooth and creamy consistency. Season to taste.
6
Toss the pasta with the ragu and divide between plates. Drizzle with pesto and parmesan to serve.

Sausage Ragu with Penne

basil pesto and Parmigiano-Reggiano

STARS

Inspired by the rich, hearty recipes from Bologna, Italy, this long-cooked meat sauce gets its distinct flavor from extra virgin olive oil, pork sausage, beef and chopped tomato. Tossed with penne and topped with shaved parmesan cheese and basil pesto.
difficultyDifficulty Level
EasyEasyEasy
difficulty
Total Time:  30 minutes
Active Time:  20 minutes
Servings:  4

Ingredients

Ragu

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon chile flakes
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 3 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 carrots, diced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 pound spicy pork sausage
  • 1 15-ounce can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 15-ounce diced tomatoes
  • 8 ounces penne pasta

Pesto

  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 2 tablespoons pine nuts
  • ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese, plus more to serve
  • 2 cups basil leaves
  • ½ cup packed baby arugula 
  • ¼ teaspoon salt, to taste
  • Pinch black pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup olive oil

Directions

1
In a large stock pot, heat the oil and garlic over medium heat. Toast until golden. Add the chile flakes and toast for 1 minute. Add the onion, celery, carrots, salt and pepper and cook until fragrant and soft.
2
Add the sausage and cook until brown, breaking it into smaller pieces. Drain out the excess fat.
3
Add the crushed and diced tomatoes and bring to a boil. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, until flavorful, stirring regularly. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
4
Meanwhite, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions. Drain the pasta, return to the pot, and drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking.
5
Combine all of the pesto ingredients except the oil in a blender, food processor, or immersion blender. Process until mostly smooth. With the motor running, slowly add the oil until you reach a smooth and creamy consistency. Season to taste.
6
Toss the pasta with the ragu and divide between plates. Drizzle with pesto and parmesan to serve.