Tuesday, April 10, 2007

Campanelle with Italian Sausage, Sun-dried Tomatoes, and Broccoli


If I could pick an official pasta for Spring, it would be Campanelle. Shaped like a dainty bell or flower, campanelle is Italian for “little bell” or it is also called gigli meaning “lilies." Not only is it pretty but it's a very functional pasta because the funnel-like shape is perfect for holding a little smidgen of sauce. I'm sure it'd also be lovely for pasta salads because it is just too cute!

I love spontaneously created dishes that turn out surprisingly well. Last night the original plan was to eat leftovers but Steven announced that he wanted pasta. Being the accommodating cook that I am, I poked around in the fridge and we tried to pull together a decent pasta dish. The other day he mentioned how he really liked the sun-dried tomatoes we had, so I got those out of the fridge. Then I gathered a crown of broccoli along with the remainder of some roasted garlic. I dug out some Italian sausages from the freezer and defrosted two. What started out as a random hodgepodge of casually thrown together ingredients transformed into a delicious pasta dish.

I added just a tiny bit of balsamic vinegar at the end to brighten up the flavors and it worked really well. Fresh herbs would have made this dish even better but the Italian herb blend is always a staple in my pantry.

Campanelle with Italian Sausage, Sun-dried Tomatoes, and Broccoli

2 Italian sausages
1 broccoli crown, cut into small florets (about 2 cups)
2 Tbsp sun-dried tomatoes, rinsed of excess oil and minced
3 cloves roasted garlic, pureed or minced (can use regular garlic)
2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1/4 tsp Italian herb blend (fresh herbs would be better)
salt and pepper
1 tsp balsamic vinegar
1/2 C grated Parmesan
8 oz. campanelle

Cut the broccoli crown into small bite size florets. The remaining stem pieces can be cut into small matchstick pieces and cooked with the florets. I like to peel off the outer fibrous layer.

Remove the Italian sausage from the casing. Heat a skillet over medium high heat and brown the sausages, breaking the sausages into small bite size pieces. Lower the heat to medium and fully cook the sausage pieces. Remove and drain on a paper towel lined plate.

Meanwhile, boil a pot of water, and cook campanelle to al dente. Drain when finished.

Wipe the skillet clean, return to stovetop over medium heat, and add 2 Tbsp of extra virgin olive oil. Add broccoli florets, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted garlic, herbs, salt and pepper and saute for about 1 minute. Then add Italian sausage and a tablespoon of water and cook until broccoli is at desired tenderness. Add drained pasta and toss everything together. If the pasta looks too dry add a bit of water, about 1 Tbsp, to loosen it up.

Off heat, drizzle the balsamic vinegar over the pasta and toss to distribute evenly. Add half of the grated parmesan to mix into the pasta then use the remainder to top the pasta.

Serves 2

Links:

This will be my entry for Presto Pasta Night. Be sure to check out this week's roundup on Friday.

17 comments:

Sig said...

Wow, that is a very pretty pasta, as you said perfect for spring! I've never heard of campanelle before, love it.

Wandering Chopsticks said...

Oooh, great whip-up. I love it when that happens. Then I can add a new dish into my collection.

Bettina said...

whoa! that pasta looks awesome!!! yummy!!! waaaa, i want to go home!!

Ruth Daniels said...

It IS a pretty pasta. I wonder if I can find it around here.

There is nothing like the feeling of creating a dish just by adding what's in the fridge and nothing makes it easier than pasta.

Thanks for sharing with Presto Pasta nights again.

Patricia Scarpin said...

This is the first time I see campanelle. It looks so beautiful, Amy!

Anonymous said...

Campanelle is a first for me as well!

Amy said...

Sig,
I don't think it's a very common pasta, which is too bad because it's just adorable!

WC,
Thanks! I totally agree, I love adding new dishes to my collection.

Bettina,
Hehehe, you'll have to come home then I can make you some. :)

Ruth,
Barilla is the brand that sells this pasta shape in the US. Though I'm not sure if the brand is available in Canada. I hope you can find it! Pasta definitely comes to the rescue a lot in our house. :D

Patricia,
I'm so happy to share this with everyone, it is by far my favorite pasta.

Tigerfish,
I'm glad I could give campanelle it's 15 minutes of fame. :P

Passionate Eater said...

What a colorful dish! And I will look for these "little bells" or "lilies" next time I am in the market. Thanks for the inspiration!

Melting Wok said...

hey amy, am back ! all this lovely carbs, so tempting :PP btw, funny you mentioned bout the bad luck thingy on flipping fish, I've answered it in my post, oo.there's another myth, remember not to finish your fish meal during chinese new year ? leave some for tomorrow ? hahaha, that's another one, go figure !

Amy said...

PE,
I hope you enjoy the pretty pasta. :)

Melting Wok,
I will never give up my yummy carbs. Psh Atkins ;D hehehe. Actually my boyfriend has heard of the "save fish for tomorrow." I was never told any of this stuff :P.

Anonymous said...

This pasta dish looks scrumptious! But you know, I don't think I've ever seen campanelle at the grocery store. (sob) Good thing I read your blog before I did next week's shopping. Now I can keep an eye out in the pasta aisle!

Ari (Baking and Books)

Anh said...

What a lovely dish! I can almost taste it as i read through your post!

Amy said...

Ari,
I hope you can find it on the east coast. I think Barilla is a nationwide brand. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. :)

Hi Anh welcome!
Thanks. :D

sher said...

Oh dear--I really shouldn't look at a picture like that late at night. It looks too delicious! :)

Amy said...

Sher,
Thanks! I always end up reading food blogs late at night when I'm hungry too. ;)

Unknown said...

I made this for myself and my housemates and it turned out awesome. You need to make more crazy creations like this so I can cook them!

Amy said...

Nick,
I'm so glad you liked it. Hopefully I'll come up with more dishes you can cook for your housemates. :)

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