Pasta with Sausage, Red Peppers, and BABY Arugula. And an announcement.
22If you’ve kept up with this blog long enough, you may or may not have gathered that I’m kind of a dork. Which is why about a month ago, I subtly posted this video to Facebook:
If you haven’t guessed by the video, in conjunction with the name of this pasta dish, then I’ll spell it out for you – I’m pregnant! Tom and I are expecting baby #2 in March. I’m already a little over halfway there (21 weeks this week), so I can tell you that it’s absolutely flying by (which, in all honesty, is mildly terrifying). But, of course, we’re really excited to welcome this new baby into the world and give Zachary a sibling—even if he does say he doesn’t want a brother or sister. We’re going to have to work on that, I guess…
One thing I’ve been eating a lot of, whether it’s because I’ve been craving it or because it’s just easy to make, is pasta. I feel like I’ve tried a million new pasta recipes lately, and kept the ones I already like in heavy rotation, too. This dish is really simple, both in preparation and ingredients, and comes together in the time it takes to cook the pasta. Obviously there’s some cream in this recipe, but it’s not a ton given the amount of pasta. Plus, I used whole wheat fettuccine and turkey sausage which obviously counteracted the cream entirely.
Using a whole jar of red peppers in this might sound a little crazy, but it’s definitely a good idea. Actually, I wouldn’t have minded an even bigger jar, if I’m being honest. The roasted red pepper flavor is subtly weaved throughout the pasta, since it gets simmered in the cream for a bit. The arugula adds a nice peppery bite and since it’s just tossed in at the end, it holds its color and some of its crispness. This is a great weeknight pasta, whether you’re a parent, pregnant, or just someone who doesn’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen after a long work day or commute.
Pasta with Sausage, Red Peppers, and Arugula
Adapted from Fine Cooking via Cook Like a Champion
1 Tbsp. olive oil
12 oz. Italian sausage, casings removed and crumbled (chicken or turkey sausage works great)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (13 oz.) jar roasted red peppers, drained and finely chopped
3/4 cup heavy cream
12-14 oz. fettuccine or other pasta
3 oz. baby arugula
2/3 cup Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
Bring a large pot of water to a boil, and add salt; cook the pasta until al dente. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet set over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until well browned, about 4-5 minutes. Pour off all but 1 Tbsp. of fat from the skillet, if necessary (with a leaner sausage, like turkey, you probably won’t need to). Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds or until fragrant, then add the red peppers and cream. Bring the sauce to a simmer; reduce heat to low and continue cooking until the sauce has thickened slightly, about 8-10 minutes.
Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water. Transfer the pasta to a large serving bowl, and add the sauce, arugula, Parmesan and basil. Toss the pasta using tongs until the arugula is slightly wilted. Add pasta water, a little at at time, to thin the sauce (you may not need all of it). Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Elly-Congrats!
I have been a follower for a couple of years; don’t post much, but love the site. Have passed it on to others,too. Wishing the best of health for you and baby #2!
Lot’s of OPA’s!
Helen
Congrats, Elly! I love the video clip – perfectly subtle. 🙂
Congrats mama! This is def not an elly says opa moment 😉 Pasta is looking good, too!
MAJOR congrats love! I had a feeling something was up when you were starting to only post once a week. SO excited for you guys!!!
Hah, yeah, that was actually more a function of pure laziness and lack of natural light than pregnancy/food aversions. I’m still trying to get back into the swing of things (especially now with daylight savings time, grrr.)
Congrats!!! I totally remember that episode, particularly the “practicing in garages for years” bit.
Funny timing, I’m also about 21 weeks along, and I believe my daughter is about the same age as your son!
Congrats!!! I love how you put caps on the BABY arugula.
I remember that episode! I used to love Full House. Congrats on your pregnancy!
Congratulations, so exciting!!
Congrats Elly! I love the video you posted! I always think of that clip when somebody announces their pregnancy 🙂
Congratulations to you and your family!! And best wishes to you!
!! CONGRATULATIONS !! 🙂
Congratulations, Elly! So exciting. There is nothing cooler than seeing your first child turn into a sibling. Fun!
Congratulations! I’m so happy for you!
Congratulations!
Congratulations!!
This pasta sounds so good. I love arugula in pasta dishes!
I loved that episode!! Congrats and you are halfway there mama!! Z is going to be one adorable big brother!!
congratulations elly. wonderful news, and zachary will love a playmate.
Congrats again, Elly! I probably can quote every single Full House episode by heart, and I am not ashamed of it 🙂
Congratulations!! So excited for you!
I don’t blog hop often lately but when I read this in my reader I had to come and say CONGRATULATIONS! Very happy for you.
congratulations! i have been reading your blog off-and-on for years. i have twin boys who are 1 week older than your son and i am 37w with my 3rd. i guess you and i have similar timing AND taste in food!