For a recipe that really doesn't have that many ingredients, this pasta brings on so many delicious notes of flavor that you won't be able to get enough of. I just love the combination of sweet summer corn and sausage - it's a perfect balance of a pop of fresh sweetness with the savory flavor of Italian sausage. Tie it all together with a creamy mascarpone sauce that has a bit of a kick, and you've got a winning dish that everybody loves.

If you love heat, feel free to add a little extra Calabrian chili paste!

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Penne with Corn and Spicy Sausage

Servings

6

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

20 minutes

Image of Penne with Corn and Spicy Sausage

Ingredients

  • 1 pound penne rigate
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 12 ounces spicy Italian sausage (about 4 links, casings removed)
  • 2 shallots (diced)
  • 2 cup frozen corn (thawed)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (plus for the pasta water)
  • 8 ounces mascarpone (room temperature)
  • 1 tablespoon Calabrian chili paste
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano (plus for serving)
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (chopped)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the penne and cook according to package directions or until al dente. Drain well, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
  2. Meanwhile, heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and sausage, cook for about 5 minutes, breaking up the sausage into bite-size pieces with a wooden spoon. Add the shallots and cook for another minute. Stir in the corn and salt, and cook, stirring often, until the corn is warmed through, another 2 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl.
  3. To the bowl, add the mascarpone, chile paste and the hot pasta and reserved pasta water. Add the Parmesan directly over the untossed hot pasta. Using a large serving spoon, toss everything together well. Add the basil and toss again. Serve with additional Parmesan if desired.
nut free