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Saucy Beef Sausage and Lemon Pasta

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Saucy Beef Sausage and Lemon Pasta is a dish that delivers bold, comforting flavors with a bright, zesty twist. The combination of rich, savory beef sausage, a velvety, tomato-based sauce, and the freshness of lemon creates a pasta dish that’s both hearty and refreshing. It’s the perfect balance of indulgence and vibrancy—comfort food with a lively kick. The way the sausage infuses the sauce with depth and spice, complemented by the citrusy lift of lemon, makes every bite deeply satisfying yet surprisingly light.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz pasta (linguine, penne, or spaghetti)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 12 oz beef sausage, sliced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • ½ cup pasta water (reserved from cooking)
  • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.

Cook the Sausage and Aromatics

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced beef sausage and cook for 4-5 minutes until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes, and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Prepare the Sauce

  1. Pour in the chicken broth and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet. Simmer for 3-4 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
  2. Add the lemon zest and juice, stirring well to combine.

Combine and Serve

  1. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, then add the drained pasta. Toss everything together, adding the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches the desired consistency.
  2. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well incorporated.
  3. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://minimealprep.com/saucy-beef-sausage-and-lemon-pasta/