Introduction
Creamy Blue Cheese Sausage and Peas Pasta is a decadent dish that brings comfort to your table. The rich flavors of blue cheese and savory sausage blend together perfectly with the sweetness of peas, creating an irresistible pasta experience.
This recipe balances the sharpness of blue cheese with the comforting texture of pasta, making it a delightful meal for any occasion. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, it’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (any shape)
Pasta is the base of your dish, providing the essential carbohydrate component. Choose a shape that holds sauce well, like penne or fusilli, to ensure every bite is flavorful. - 1 lb Italian sausage
Italian sausage delivers a savory depth to the dish. Opt for a mild or spicy variety, depending on your preference, which will enhance the overall flavor profile. - 1 cup frozen peas
Frozen peas add a pop of color and sweetness, contrasting beautifully with the richness of the sauce. They also provide a nutritional boost with fiber and protein. - 1 cup heavy cream
Heavy cream forms the creamy base of the sauce. It adds a luscious texture and richness that balances the sharpness of the blue cheese. - 4 oz blue cheese, crumbled
Blue cheese is the star ingredient, providing its signature tangy flavor. Its creaminess melds with the heavy cream, creating a velvety sauce that coats the pasta. - 2 cloves garlic, minced
Garlic adds aromatic depth to the dish, complementing the sausage. It releases its flavors when sautéed, enhancing the overall taste. - 1 tbsp olive oil
Olive oil is used for cooking the sausage and garlic. It adds flavor while also preventing sticking, ensuring that your ingredients sauté evenly. - Salt and pepper, to taste
Seasoning is essential to enhance the flavors of the dish. Adjust the salt and pepper according to your taste preferences, considering the saltiness of the blue cheese. - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Fresh parsley adds a burst of color and a hint of freshness. It elevates the presentation of your dish and provides a mild herbal note.
Directions & Preparation
Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
Boiling the pasta separately ensures it's cooked to the right al dente texture. This method allows for perfect timing to combine it with the sauce later without overcooking the pasta.
Step 2: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Heating the olive oil before adding ingredients ensures that the sausage browns nicely. This step is crucial to develop flavors early on, enhancing the richness of the dish.
Step 3: Add the Italian sausage to the skillet and cook until browned.
Browning the sausage allows the Maillard reaction to develop rich flavors. As the sausage cooks, it will render its fat, which will infuse the dish with additional flavor as you continue cooking.
Step 4: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Adding garlic after the sausage is browned allows it to release its aromatic flavor without burning. This brief cooking period ensures the garlic remains fragrant and enhances the dish's overall profile.
Step 5: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine.
Incorporating the heavy cream creates a luxurious sauce that envelops the sausage and pasta. Stirring well prevents separation and ensures that every ingredient is coated in the creamy mixture.
Step 6: Add the crumbled blue cheese and allow it to melt.
The blue cheese must be added while the cream is warm to facilitate melting. This step is vital for achieving a smooth sauce, allowing the cheese to integrate fully and impart its flavor.
Step 7: Fold in the frozen peas and cooked pasta.
Combining the peas and pasta with the sauce brings texture and color to the dish. The peas should be folded gently to avoid breaking them, while ensuring everything is well mixed.
Step 8: Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Seasoning at this stage allows for adjusting the flavor as per your preferences. Since the sausage and blue cheese are already salty, taste carefully before adding more.
Step 9: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Garnishing with fresh parsley adds a vibrant touch and a hint of freshness that brightens the rich flavors of the dish. A warm serving ensures the creamy texture remains delightful.
The Perfect Pasta Pairing
Choosing the right pasta shape can significantly impact the dish’s overall enjoyment. Opt for pastas like farfalle or rigatoni, which capture sauce in their folds and grooves, ensuring a flavorful bite in every forkful. This little detail makes a big difference in your creamy blue cheese sauce experience.
Adjusting the Creaminess
For those who want a lighter version of this dish, you can dilute the heavy cream with a splash of broth or use half-and-half instead. This variation maintains flavor while lowering richness. Alternatively, if you find the sauce too thick, adding a little water or reserved pasta cooking water can help reach your desired consistency.
Balancing Richness with Freshness
Incorporating fresh ingredients, such as wilted spinach or sautéed mushrooms, can provide a contrast to the rich creaminess of the sauce. This not only enhances the nutritional value of the dish but also adds layers of flavor and texture that make the pasta even more satisfying.
FAQs
What if my sauce turns out too thick?
If your sauce is too thick, simply add a splash of reserved pasta water or broth to thin it out until you reach your desired consistency. Stir well to combine.
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Yes, turkey sausage is a great alternative and will provide a different flavor profile while keeping the dish lighter. Adjust seasoning as turkey sausage may vary in saltiness.
What if my blue cheese is too strong for my taste?
If the blue cheese flavor is overwhelming, you can reduce the amount used in the recipe or balance it out with additional heavy cream or mild cheese to soften the bite.
Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! You can incorporate vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli to enhance the dish’s nutrition and add more texture. Just sauté them along with the sausage.
What should I do if my sausage is not browning well?
If the sausage isn’t browning, ensure it’s not crowded in the skillet. Use a larger pan or cook in batches to allow enough space for proper browning, which enhances flavor.
Can I use gluten-free pasta for this dish?
Yes, gluten-free pasta can easily replace traditional pasta. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it often varies from regular pasta.
Conclusion
Creamy Blue Cheese Sausage and Peas Pasta is not only easy to prepare but also a dish that resonates with flavor and comfort. With its rich ingredients and satisfying texture, it is bound to become a favorite in your home.
Next time you want to impress with minimal effort, remember this recipe. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a gourmet meal that satisfies everyone at your dinner table.
Recipe Card
Delicious Honey Mustard Chicken with Cheddar Broccoli Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the chicken breasts in the honey mustard mixture and place them in a baking dish.
- Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
- While the chicken is baking, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Add the broccoli florets to the pasta during the last 3-4 minutes of cooking.
- Drain the pasta and broccoli and return them to the pot.
- Stir in the cheddar cheese and a splash of the reserved pasta water for creaminess.
- Slice the baked chicken and serve it over the cheesy broccoli pasta.
- Drizzle any remaining honey mustard sauce over the top before serving.
Notes
Additional serving suggestions: pair with a crisp salad, garlic bread, or roasted seasonal vegetables for balance.
For make-ahead, prep components separately and assemble just before heating to preserve texture.
Taste and adjust with acid (lemon/vinegar) and salt right at the end to wake up flavors.
