pasta with sausage, leeks, & lettuce

(1 rating)
Recipe by
Jen Smallwood
St. Cloud, FL

a fast & tasty different pasta salad

(1 rating)
yield 4 serving(s)
prep time 15 Min
cook time 20 Min
method Stove Top

Ingredients For pasta with sausage, leeks, & lettuce

  • 3/4 - 1 lb
    sweet italian sausages, casings removed (can use ground sauasge)
  • 2 bunch
    leeks, about 3 pounds total), white and light-green parts only, halved lengthwise, cut into ¼" slices, rinsed well, and drained
  • 1/2 - 3/4 c
    dry white wine, such as pinot grigio
  • 2 Tbsp
    unsalted butter
  • coarse salt & ground pepper (to taste)
  • 3/4 lb
    short pasta, such as lumache or medium shells
  • 4 c
    bibb or boston lettuce, torn into pieces
  • grated parmesan cheese, for serving

How To Make pasta with sausage, leeks, & lettuce

  • 1
    In a large skillet, cook sausages over medium-high, breaking up meat with a spoon, until browned, 5 minutes. Transfer 4 cups leeks to an airtight container and refrigerate for later use. Add remaining leeks (4 cups) to sausage in skillet and cook until softened, 5 minutes. Add wine and cook, stirring frequently, until mostly evaporated, 2 minutes. Stir in butter and season to taste with salt and pepper. Meanwhile, in a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water. Drain pasta, return to pot, along with sausage mixture, and toss to combine. Add lettuce and enough pasta water to create a light sauce that coats pasta. Toss to combine. Serve with Parmesan on the side.
  • 2
    Cook's Note Cutting leeks before washing makes it easier to dislodge any dirt. Transform any leftover lettuce you have on hand into a dinner ingredient in this dish. Waste not: Pair tonight's dinner with the same white wine you use in the recipe.
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