Asparagus and Sausage Pasta

Pasta with asparagus and sausage is a tasty spring dish that unites the delicate flavor of asparagus with the bold taste of sausage.

Ingredients

• 320 g pasta (penne, fusilli, or tagliatelle)
• 300 g asparagus
• 200 g sausage
• 1 garlic clove
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan (optional)
• A glass of white wine (optional)
• Chili pepper (optional)

Preparation

1. Clean the asparagus by removing the harder, woody end of the stem. Wash the remaining stems and cut them into pieces, leaving the tips whole.
2. In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of oil with a garlic clove and, if you like, a piece of chili pepper.
3. Remove the sausage casing and crumble it, then add it to the skillet. Brown well over medium heat.
4. When the sausage takes on color, add the asparagus, stir for a few minutes, then deglaze with a glass of white wine, if using.
5. Lower the heat, cover with a lid and let cook for about 10 minutes, until the asparagus is tender. If necessary, add a bit of water to prevent the sauce from drying out too much.
6. Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta al dente.
7. Drain the pasta and reserve some cooking water.
8. Remove the garlic clove from the skillet and add the pasta to the asparagus and sausage sauce. Stir well to combine the flavors, adding a bit of cooking water if necessary to emulsify.
9. Serve immediately, with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, if desired, and a drizzle of raw olive oil.

Fun Facts

This recipe is a great way to enjoy asparagus season, marrying the tradition of the land with the rustic flavor of sausage. In Italy it is typical to take advantage of the freshness of seasonal ingredients to create simple but flavorful dishes. Pasta with asparagus and sausage can be found in various regional variants, which may include cream for a more northern version or pecorino for a more central touch.