Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 yellow onion , chopped
2 cloves garlic , minced
1 lb chicken sausage , casings removed ( can also use turkey sausage )
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes
1 can tomatoes in puree , tomatoes coarsely chopped and puree reserved
1 cup water
salt , to taste
1 lb penne ( or other tube shaped pasta )
2 cups ricotta cheese
2 cups Fontina cheese , shredded ( can also use mozzarella )
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Pasta Rustica With Chicken Sausage and Three Cheeses is a comforting and filling pasta dish that is perfect for chilly days or when you want a hearty meal. The combination of chicken sausage and three cheeses creates a delicious and flavorful mix that is sure to satisfy any pasta lover. This recipe is easy to customize, and you can substitute different types of sausage or cheese depending on your taste preferences. One of the great things about this dish is that it can be made in large batches and stored in the fridge for several days, which means you can enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner.

Instructions

1.Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat.
2.Add the onion and garlic and sauté for about 3 minutes, until the onion is translucent.
3.Add the chicken sausage to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned.
4.Stir in the basil, oregano, and hot red pepper flakes.
5.Add the canned tomatoes and their puree, along with the water, to the skillet.
6.Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
7.In the meantime, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente.
8.Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
9.Add the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of the Fontina cheese, and the grated parmesan cheese to the pasta in the pot and mix thoroughly.
10.Stir in the sausage and tomato mixture, adding some of the reserved pasta cooking water if needed to thin the sauce to your desired consistency.
11.Season with salt to taste, then transfer the pasta to a large serving dish and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded fontina cheese over the top. Serve hot.

PROS

This pasta is a comfort food classic that is hearty, satisfying, and bursting with flavors from the chicken sausage and three cheeses.

The recipe provides ample opportunities to personalize the dish by swapping in different types of sausage or cheese.

It is a great way to get in your daily dose of protein and calcium.

CONS

This dish is on the heavier side because of all the cheese, sausage, and pasta.

It may not be the ideal option for someone who is counting calories or watching their fat intake.

The high-fat content of the dish may increase the risk of heart disease and obesity if consumed regularly in large quantities.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

While this dish is not exactly a health food, it does offer some benefits when eaten in moderation.
The chicken sausage adds a protein punch, which is essential for building and maintaining muscle mass.
The three cheeses provide a good source of calcium, which is crucial for bone health and blood pressure regulation.
The dish also contains lycopene, a powerful antioxidant found in cooked tomatoes that has been linked to preventing cancer and promoting heart health.

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