Check out one of my most favorite dishes to make. Creamy mascarpone cheese, Italian sausage and asparagus married together to make the most flavorful, silky sauce to then toss with a short pasta like orecchiette.⁠ ⁠

This dinner is so delicious! You seriously won't just have one serving. It is SO easy and fast too. I have made this dinner for so many friends, and not only is it always a favorite, it is always one I recommend to those just learning to cook. It is very a beginner friendly recipe, give it a try! You'll most definitely be impressing someone. Lastly, this entire recipe from start to finish will be way under 30 minutes!

Did you know the word, "Orecchio" means "Ear" in Italian? Orecchiette pasta refers to their "little ear" shape. This type of pasta is perfect for a light, thin sauce like this mascarpone cheese sauce because their little bowl shape will hold the perfect amount of sauce for every creamy bite!⁠

I usually use a chicken sausage for this recipe. You may use whatever kind you like. I love the variety of different sausage flavors at Trader Joe's or your markets meat counter.

Ingredients

• 1lb. orrecchiette pasta

• 5 Italian sausage links, removed from the casing

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 bunch asparagus, cut into pieces

• 1 sweet onion, chopped

• 1/2 cup pasta water

• 8oz. container of mascarpone cheese

• salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Start boiling a pot of water.

2. Heat a large pan with 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.

3. Chop onion and add to the pan once hot. Stir and cook for a couple minutes.

4. Add the sausage, squeeze out the sausage meat from its casing. Using a wooden spoon, continue to break up the meat as it cooks. Once most of the pink is gone add the asparagus, sprinkle with salt and pepper and cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. In the meantime, the pasta is cooking. Save 1/2 cup of the pasta water and set aside.

6. Add the mascarpone to the sausage and asparagus mixture, then pour the reserved pasta water over the mascarpone. Stir well until it completely melts and creates a sauce.

7. Drain the pasta and then add it to the pan. Mix well to combine then serve immediately. Add grated parmesan cheese.

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