Chef Bihi Short Rigatoni with Italian Sausage – Cherry Tomatoes – Smoked Scarmozza
This delightful recipe showcases short rigatoni pasta blended with savory Italian sausage, fresh cherry tomatoes, and smoky scarmozza cheese. It’s a quick and easy dish that is sure to satisfy both kids and adults alike. Are you ready to create a delicious meal that will become a family favorite? Let’s get cooking!
Recipe Information
- Servings: 4
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
-
Pasta:
- 1 package (500 grams) of short rigatoni (long rigatoni can also be used)
-
Cheese:
- 4 small balls of smoked scarmozza cheese
-
Vegetables:
- 16 cherry tomatoes
- ½ head of fresh garlic or 2 garlic cloves
-
Meat:
- 4 Italian fennel sausages
-
Others:
- 6 to 8 sun-dried tomatoes
- Fleur de sel (sea salt)
- A little fresh basil
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Bring water to a boil in a pot for the pasta.
- Slice the garlic thinly.
- Cut the cherry tomatoes in half.
- Chop the sun-dried tomatoes.
- Cut the scarmozza cheese into large cubes.
- Open the sausages and remove the meat from the casing.
- In a hot skillet, sauté the garlic in olive oil until fragrant.
- Add the sausage meat and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to brown.
- Next, add the cherry tomatoes and let them melt into the mixture for about 5 minutes.
- Add the sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil to the skillet.
- Once the pasta is cooked, add it to the skillet along with the scarmozza cheese.
- Let everything meld together for 1 minute before serving.
Notes
Feel free to substitute the smoked scarmozza cheese with another cheese, like mozzarella or provolone, if preferred.
Recipe Tips
- For added flavor, you can sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
- Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little heat.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains approximately: Calories: 520, Protein: 25g, Fat: 20g, Carbohydrates: 60g.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use whole grain pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! Whole grain pasta is a healthier alternative and will pair well with the ingredients.
2. What if I can’t find scarmozza cheese?
If you can’t find scarmozza, mozzarella or provolone will work as a good substitute.
3. How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Replace the sausage with a plant-based sausage and omit any meat ingredients.
4. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and cook the dish just before serving for the best taste and texture.
5. How should I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of water to prevent sticking.
