Tagliatelle with Smashed Peas, Sausage, and Ricotta Cheese

If you plan it right, this sauce should take about as long to prep as it takes to boil the pasta. The sauce is finished by tossing the pasta and some of its cooking water into the pan with the sauce.

This recipe contains pasta (tagliatelle), olive oil (extra virgin), garlic (fresh), sausage (italian), peas (green, frozen), cheese (ricotta), basil (fresh), cheese (pecorino), salt (kosher)

6 servings

Prep time: < 5 min

Cook time: 10 min

Ingredients:

• 1 pound fresh or dried tagliatelle pasta (or other wide, long pasta)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 pound hot Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 pound frozen peas, thawed
• 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1 bunch fresh basil leaves chopped (about 3/4 cup)
• 1/4 cup fresh grated Pecorino Romano cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

• 1. Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions. Drain pasta reserving 1 cup of the pasta cooking water.
• 2. Meanwhile, in a large, heavy skillet heat the olive oil and garlic over medium-high heat and add the sausage.
• 3. Use a wooden spoon to break up the sausage into bite-sized bits. When the sausage has browned, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
• 4. Add the peas to the pan and, using the back of the wooden spoon, smash the peas. Turn off the heat.
• 5. Add the ricotta cheese along with the cooked pasta and toss to coat, adding the pasta cooking water in 1/4 cup additions, if needed, to make the pasta moist.
• 6. Return the sausage to the pan. Add the basil, Pecorino Romano cheese, and salt. Toss gently to coat and serve immediately.