Sausage Pasta with Lemon Zest

Instructions

1. Prepare Breadcrumb Topping

   5 min hands-on

   • Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat and add half the olive oil.
   • Add breadcrumbs and toast, stirring frequently, until golden brown and crispy.
   • Finely chop half of the rosemary and stir into breadcrumbs.
   • Mince 2 garlic cloves and add to the pan, cooking until fragrant.
   • Grate lemon zest into breadcrumbs, season with salt and pepper, and mix well.
   • Remove from pan and set aside to cool.

2. Cook the Sausage

   1 min hands-on6 min waiting

   • Heat remaining olive oil in a separate large pan over medium heat.
   • Remove sausage from casings and crumble into the pan.
   • Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and crispy.
   • Transfer cooked sausage to a plate, leaving fat in the pan.

3. Sauté Aromatics

   4 min hands-on7 min waiting

   • Finely chop onion, celery, and remaining garlic clove.
   • Add vegetables to the pan with sausage fat and cook until softened.
   • Chop remaining rosemary and stir into the pan with cayenne pepper.

4. Combine Sausage and Stock

   2 min hands-on1 min waiting

   • Return cooked sausage to the pan with vegetables and spices.
   • Pour in chicken stock and bring to a gentle boil.

5. Cook the Pasta

   1 min hands-on11 min waiting

   • Add dry pasta to the boiling stock, ensuring it is submerged.
   • Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook until pasta is tender and liquid is absorbed.

6. Finish with Herbs and Lemon

   2 min hands-on

   • Finely chop parsley, reserving some for garnish.
   • Stir parsley and lemon juice into the pasta mixture.
   • Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

7. Assemble and Serve

   2 min hands-on

   • Transfer pasta to serving bowls.
   • Sprinkle breadcrumb topping over each portion.
   • Garnish with reserved parsley and black pepper. Serve immediately.
   • Cooking tips:
   • Toast the breadcrumbs slowly for extra crunch and flavor.
   • Use chicken stock sparingly at first, adding more as needed.
   • Add extra lemon zest for a stronger citrus flavor.