River Country Pasta

Transport your taste buds to the rustic charm of the countryside with this River Country Pasta recipe, a hearty and flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Featuring tender penne pasta tossed in a luscious creamy Parmesan sauce, this dish is elevated with smoky slices of sausage, vibrant cherry tomatoes, and a medley of sautéed vegetables including zucchini, bell peppers, and onions. Infused with the earthy warmth of oregano and basil, every bite is a comforting balance of creamy, smoky, and fresh flavors. Quick to make in just 40 minutes, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s as satisfying as it is easy to prepare. Serve it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra Parmesan for a meal that feels like a culinary getaway to the countryside. Perfect for fans of smoky, hearty pasta dishes or creamy comfort food, this recipe will undoubtedly become a family favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 8 oz smoked sausage (sliced)
• 1 large yellow onion (diced)
• 1 medium red bell pepper (diced)
• 1 medium zucchini (sliced into half moons)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3

In the same skillet, add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and zucchini. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing them to soften.

Step 6

Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 7

Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, followed by the cooked penne pasta. Toss everything together to ensure the pasta and sausage are coated in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.

Step 8

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm. For an extra touch, add additional Parmesan cheese on top before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1996.5 grams (1996.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4160

Total Fat 240.40g	308%
Saturated Fat 116.30g	582%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 567mg	189%
Sodium 8177mg	356%
Total Carbohydrate 318.20g	116%
Dietary Fiber 26.40g	94%
Total Sugars 31.90g
Protein 166.30g	333%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2823mg	217%
Iron 18mg	102%
Potassium 3334mg	71%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 52.8%

Protein: 16.2%

Carbs: 31.0%