March 4, 2012
Baked roasted garlic pasta primavera is the perfect dish to ring in the coming of spring. Fresh vegetables are sauteed and added to a blend of roasted garlic, sausage, cream cheese, and parmesan. You can use whatever vegetable medley you like. Spring vegetables like peas, artichokes, and asparagus are a dynamite combination. This recipe recommends using whole wheat pasta, the nutty flavor is a delicious contrast to the rich sauce and bright vegetables. Baked pasta primavera is guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
3 large garlic cloves
1 tablespoon olive oil
salt
1 Italian sausage link, uncased
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 small onion, diced
3 carrots, sliced
1/2 container baby bella mushrooms, slice length wise (match sticks)
1/2 container Brussels sprouts, quartered
4 oz 1/3 less fat cream cheese, softened
1 cup chicken broth
1/3 cup Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella, divided in half
salt
pepper
7 oz whole wheat penne pasta
Directions:
Take a 6″ square of tin foil, place your garlic cloves (still in the skin) in the middle, top with the 1 T oil & season with salt. Pull all of the corners together to make a little pouch & place in the oven at 425 degrees for about 20 minutes. Once done, reduce the oven to 375.
Place a large pot with salted water over medium-high heat for your pasta. When the water comes to a boil, add your pasta. Follow instructions on the box for al dente pasta and shave 1 minute off.
In the meantime, add the rest of the oil to a large saute pan & heat over medium heat. Add the sausage and brown, crumbling as it cooks. Once cooked through remove from the pan and set aside. Add the onions and let saute for about 3 minutes. Sprinkle with a little salt then add the carrots & Brussels sprouts, cook for another 5 minutes or until slightly browned. Add in the mushrooms, mix well & let cook down for a couple minutes to remove the moisture.
At this point you’ll want to add your cream cheese, mix lightly then add the chicken broth and stir to combine. Let cook down for about 2 minutes then add the roasted garlic, mashing it in. Add your reserved sausage. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup mozzarella. If the sauce is getting a bit too thick stir in a 1/2 cup of your salted pasta water to think it out.
Once the pasta is ready toss it right into the sauce & toss to coat. Place your pasta mixture in a 8×8 baking dish and cover with the rest of the shredded mozzarella. Place in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown on top.
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