Penne with Sausage and Radicchio Recipe

This Penne with Sausage and Radicchio recipe is a flavorful and hearty Italianinspired dish that combines the bold flavors of Italian sausage with the slightly bitter crunch of radicchio. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this dish is simple to make and absolutely delicious when topped with Parmesan cheese.

Instructions

Boil the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about
  10–12 minutes).
• Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water for later use.

Cook the Sausages

• Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the chopped Italian sausages and cook, breaking them into smaller pieces,
  until browned (about 7 minutes). Remove and set a sided

Sauté the Radicchio

• In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (1 minute).
• Add the sliced radicchio and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until
  slightly wilted.

Combine the Ingredients

• Return the cooked sausages to the skillet with the radicchio.
• Add the drained penne pasta and toss everything together. If the mixture seems too
  dry, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is
  reached.

Add Parmesan Cheese

• Sprinkle 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta mixture. Stir until the
  cheese melts and coats the pasta.
• Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste.

Serve and Garnish

• Serve the pasta in individual plates or a large serving dish.
• Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprig of parsley, if desired.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
   Yes, you can substitute penne with any short pasta like rigatoni or fusilli.
2. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
   Absolutely! Replace the sausage with plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
3. How do I store leftovers?
   Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to maintain the texture.
4. What other cheeses can I use?
   Aside from Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano are excellent substitutes.