Mozzarella & Sausage Pasta [omg]

Sunday, July 18, 2021

This is not the first time I've made TheKitchn's Kitty’s Bocconcino and Sausage Pasta Quick Weeknight Meal, nor will it likely be the last. It is not an 'omg' for flavor, but for a combination of flavor and ease. Good enough, simple enough to make several times over my lifetime. Although, I do recommend quadrupling the original recipe.

I think what I like about this recipe, aside from being easy, is the subtle flavors added by the cinnamon. It's a lovely touch.

Here's the BYOV take on it all:

BYOV's Mozzarella Sausage Pasta

Makes about 7 servings.

Ingredients:

• 8 Italian sausages, casings removed (I prefer sweet, but hot will work. Heck, even pre-cooked chicken sausages will work!)
• 4 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 chopped yellow onions (or 1 onion + 2 garlic cloves)
• 28oz can whole peeled tomatoes (I often use 2 jars of my homemade chopped tomatoes instead)
• 4 Tbsp tomato paste (honestly, an entirety of one of those little cans is the way to go here)
• 1/8 tsp red pepper flaes (up to 1/2 tsp, depending on spiciness preference)
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon (no more!!)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 chopped green peppers
• 2 cup mozzarella, cut into bit-sized pieces
• 1 cup chopped basil
• 4x 12oz packages of Spaghetti

Directions:

1. Prepare noodles according to package instructions to al dente. Salt the water!
2. Heat a LARGE skillet over medium high heat with a couple Tbsp olive oil.
3. Add the sausage, using the tip of a spatula to crumble while it browns. Once brown, remove to a plate.
4. Toss in the onions (add more olive oil, as needed).
5. When the onions begin top turn translucent, add in the green peppers. Saute until onions have a light caramel tint and peppers are cooked through.
6. Add tomatoes, and break them up with a spoon as needed. Add tomato paste, and spices as well.
7. Add the sausage and noodles. Mix.
8. Just before serving, stir in the mozzarella and basil.