Summer Vegetable Pasta with Sausage
Summer Vegetable Pasta with Sausage is a light, healthy pasta packed with seasonal vegetables and delicious smoked sausage. This quick, budget-friendly dish is perfect for weeknight dinner for the whole family!
There’s something about a big bowl of pasta that just makes my heart happy. It’s totally my favorite comfort food. Unfortunately, pasta gets such a bad rap because everyone is so concerned with carbs and gluten. *sigh* Lucky for us, it is possible to create a light, healthy pasta dish packed with seasonal veggies.
I always try to take advantage of seasonal vegetables; not only do veggies taste better in-season but they’re typically cheaper. I don’t know if you have ever tried to buy fresh corn during winter months but Holy Moses it’s expensive!
Speaking of corn – I’ll let you in on a little tip. When slicing corn off the cob, always cut it in half horizontally to create a flat end. Then, place the flat side down in a shallow baking dish and use a sharp knife to cut each side. The kernels will fall right into the dish instead of all over the kitchen counter.
Back to the dish.
This pasta doesn’t have a heavy sauce because the sausage and veggies really carry all the flavor! While I used corn, broccoli and bell pepper, you can really use whatever vegetables you like in this dish. Some others I recommend are zucchini, frozen peas and cherry tomatoes. Just keep it super fresh and colorful! A little lemon juice and parmesan cheese go a long way here.
You can make this pasta with or without sausage. I used a smoked pork sausage (because it was on sale) but you can also substitute turkey or chicken sausage to make this an even healthier dish! Another tip – if smoked sausage is on sale, go ahead a bulk up. It keeps WAY longer than other proteins and it is extremely versatile. For another easy sausage recipe check out my recipes for Easy Cajun Jambalaya Pasta and Sheet Pan Low Country Boil.
I hope you enjoy the recipe below. Let me know if you have questions in the comments section. If you make this Summer Vegetable Pasta with Sausage, share it on Instagram and tag me @bluecheesebungalow.
Enjoy!
Kelsey Renee
Summer Vegetable Pasta with Sausage
Ingredients
- 1 pound dry penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1- 14 ounce package smoked sausage (cut into coin size pieces)
- ½ white onion (diced)
- 1 small red bell pepper (julienned)
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 cups fresh corn (about 2 cobs)
- Juice of one lemon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
Special Equipment
- Extra large skillet or non-stick pan
Instructions
- 1. Prepare pasta according to package directions. Make sure the water is salted. Reserve 1/3 cup pasta water for later. Set aside.
- 2. Add one tablespoon olive oil to a large skillet over medium high heat. Add sausage and brown on either side (about 2 minutes each side). Remove the sausage from the pan and set aside.
- 3. Add one tablespoon olive oil to skillet. Sauté onion until soft (about 2 minutes).
- 4. Add bell pepper and broccoli. Sautee for 2 minutes.
- 5. Stir in corn kernels, salt, pepper, garlic powder and lemon juice. Sauté for one minute.
- 6. Turn heat to medium low.
- 7. Add pasta, pasta water and parmesan cheese to skillet. Stir well to combine.
- 8. Once the pasta water has absorbed the pasta is ready. Serve immediately.
- 9. Optional top with additional parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes
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