Zesty Lemon Basil Sausage Pasta
Lemon Basil Pasta: Master this incredibly flavorful one-pot dish with spicy chicken sausage and fresh asparagus. A quick, easy, and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound short-cut pasta
- 1/4 cup, plus 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 cup fresh basil, chopped, plus more for serving
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
- 1/2 cup green olives (chopped)
- kosher salt and black pepper
- 1 pound ground spicy Italian chicken sausage
- 1 bunch asparagus, chopped
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Boil the pasta to al dente, according to package directions. Drain.
- Meanwhile, mix together 1/4 cup olive oil, vinegar, lemon zest, lemon juice, basil, chives, and olives in a bowl, or pulse in the food processor. Season with salt and pepper.
- In the same pot used to cook the pasta, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the chicken sausage and brown all over, about 5 to 8 minutes. Reduce the heat to low, add the asparagus. Cook another 5 minutes or until the asparagus is tender. Add the pasta and toss well to coat.
- Add the basil/olive sauce and toss. Remove from the heat and serve immediately topped with additional basil. Enjoy!
Notes
- For the most vibrant lemon flavor, always use fresh lemon zest and juice. The zest carries the essential oils that give a true citrus punch.
- If your chicken sausage tends to stick, ensure your pot is thoroughly preheated and the olive oil is shimmering before adding the meat. My first time making this, I rushed the browning, and the sausage didn't get that beautiful crispness.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or water to revive the sauce's creaminess. Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.
- If your chicken sausage tends to stick, ensure your pot is thoroughly preheated and the olive oil is shimmering before adding the meat. My first time making this, I rushed the browning, and the sausage didn't get that beautiful crispness.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or water to revive the sauce's creaminess. Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.