Pasta is a go-to for weeknight dinners, and I'm all about recipes that pack in veggies that can be sautéed quickly in a single pan. While I've been enjoying less meat lately, I still appreciate a small amount for flavor and protein—especially to satisfy my husband when he's had too many salads.
This one-pot pasta dish features sausage, mushrooms, garlic, and arugula. Using only 1/3 pound of Italian sausage for four servings makes it feel indulgent without being heavy. My aim was to replicate the deliciousness of classic sausage and mushroom pizza, topped with parmesan, red pepper flakes, and basil. Mission accomplished!
This dish is ideal for both a speedy weeknight meal and a cozy Saturday dinner with friends. It comes together in about 20 minutes, which is about the time it takes for the water to boil. Perfect for a casual gathering!
Mastering Crispy Mushrooms
While waiting for your pasta water to boil, it's time to cook the mushrooms. Here's the best way to achieve perfectly seared mushrooms for this pasta—or really, any dish.
Focus on searing the mushrooms instead of steaming them, achieving that golden-brown crust without mushiness. Add mushrooms in a single layer to a hot skillet with olive oil. If you have a lot of mushrooms or a small skillet, work in batches. This helps them sear without steaming, ensuring each mushroom gets direct heat.
Once in the pan, stir to coat them with oil, then let them cook undisturbed for 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, stir, and continue cooking for another 5 minutes. Transfer them to a plate and try not to snack on them before finishing the pasta!
Using Sausage as a Flavor Enhancer
My current approach to meat is to use smaller amounts for richness and flavor, treating it as an accent rather than the main event. This recipe uses just 1/3 pound of sausage for four people, and with the bold flavor of Italian sausage, a little bit goes a long way.
Sauté the sausage in the skillet over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, breaking it up with a fork and stirring occasionally until cooked through. Next, add the sliced garlic and cook until golden brown. Return the mushrooms to the pan, toss everything together, and turn off the heat while the pasta cooks.
Making it a One-Pot Wonder
Instead of draining your pasta, you can save on cleanup by using a pasta scoop to transfer the noodles directly into the skillet with the sausage and mushrooms. It's great to bring a little pasta water along, as the starch helps create a luscious sauce.
Add a generous amount of grated parmesan, lemon zest and juice, arugula, and a bit of butter. Toss everything together for a minute or two until the pasta is well-coated in a light, flavorful sauce. Delicious!
Making This Pasta Vegetarian
I first tested this dish without sausage, and it turned out fantastic. I added Italian seasoning for the herbs and spices typically found in sausage. For a veggie twist, consider roasted red pepper strips, green olives, or chopped artichoke hearts to maintain that classic pizza essence.
Doubling the Recipe
Feeding a crowd? Easily double the recipe by using a large skillet and sautéing the mushrooms in batches. Just increase all the ingredients and let everyone garnish their plates with parmesan, red pepper flakes, and basil.
More Quick Weeknight Pasta Ideas
We have plenty of delicious and simple pasta recipes perfect for busy evenings. Here are a few favorites:
Creamy Vegan One Pot Pasta. This dish combines tomatoes, basil, and a rich walnut sauce ready in 15 minutes.
Rigatoni with Brussels Sprouts, Kale Pesto, and Lemon. Popular in 2022, it's part of our Plant-Based RE:SET menu.
Pesto Pasta Alla Vodka. A fan favorite for indulgent nights.
Simple Pasta Recipes with 10 Ingredients or Less! A must-save for easy meals.
Description
This Garlicky Mushroom Pasta with Sausage and Arugula is a perfect weeknight dish that takes just 30 minutes to prepare.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fettuccine, pappardelle, or tagliatelle
- 1 pound sliced baby bella mushrooms
- extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/3 pound ground Italian sausage
- 5 garlic cloves, sliced
- Chunk of parmesan for grating
- 1 lemon, zest and juice
- 4 cups arugula
- 3 tablespoons butter, sliced
- garnish: red pepper flakes, basil, and parmesan
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil for the pasta.
- In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil and add mushrooms in a single layer (you may need to work in batches). Stir to coat in oil, then cook undisturbed for 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, stir, and cook for about 5 more minutes. Transfer to a plate.
- Add sausage to the skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a fork, until cooked. Add garlic and sauté until golden. Return mushrooms to the skillet and toss well.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Use a pasta scoop to transfer noodles into the skillet with mushrooms and sausage, bringing some pasta water along. Add parmesan, lemon zest and juice, arugula, and butter. Toss until everything is coated in a light sauce.
- Serve with additional grated parmesan, red pepper flakes, and basil.
Enjoy this one-pot pasta recipe, and feel free to reach out at info@trendiesfind.com if you give it a try!
