Orecchiette With Sausage, Beans, and Mascarpone

amievv821's Note:

Another one from Giada off of Food Network. I love this recipe because its light in fat and calories, yet rich, savory, and satisfying. I like to use hot turkey sausage to give it some zing. This is a very simple recipe, with a huge payoff. Enjoy!!

• Total Time: 25 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 1 lb orechiette pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 lb turkey sausage, casing removed
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano leaves
• 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

Directions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
2. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes.
3. Drain pasta reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid.
4. In a large, heavy skillet warm the olive oil over medium-high heat.
5. Add the sausage and onions. Using a wooden spoon break up the sausage into bite-sized pieces as it browns.
6. Continue cooking until the sausage is golden and the onions are tender.
7. Add the beans and oregano cook for 2 more minutes.
8. Add the mascarpone cheese and slowly add the pasta cooking liquid until a smooth sauce forms, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan.

Reviews

[Tropical Texan]

Excellent! I added about a teaspoon of kosher flake salt at the very end. It was a hearty meal, full of flavor, and I can't wait to make it again. The orecchiette is a very substantial pasta, so substituting sea shells in place of it is not advised for those that can't find it. Rotini or rigatoni might work...something thick and beefy. Great recipe!

[shanthecookiemonster]

Loved this recipe! I actually added some fresh garlic with the onions and some parmasean at the end. And I used venison sausage instead of turkey sausage. this is a new stape in our house for sure!

[Chef #1415618]

This recipe is delicious. I cut the recipe in half for one person...it lasts me about 2 1/2 meals.