Delicious and Hearty: Penne Rice Pasta with Veggies & Sausage

If you're craving a comforting pasta dish but need something gluten-free, look no further than this Penne Rice Pasta with Veggies and Sausage. It’s the perfect blend of hearty sausage, fresh vegetables, and tender rice pasta — a meal that’s simple to make, packed with flavour, and sure to satisfy everyone at the dinner table.

Whether you’re gluten-free by choice or necessity, rice pasta offers a fantastic alternative to traditional wheat-based pasta. Its texture is surprisingly similar to regular pasta, and it pairs beautifully with rich sauces and savoury ingredients. In this dish, the slight sweetness of the carrots, the freshness of celery, and the depth of Italian sausage come together in a light sauce that coats every piece of pasta.

This recipe is not only easy to make but is also incredibly versatile. You can adjust the seasonings, add more vegetables, or even swap out the sausage for a plant-based option. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal, meaning fewer dishes to clean up — always a win in my book!

Why You'll Love This Recipe:

• Gluten-Free: The rice pasta makes this dish suitable for those following a gluten-free diet.

• Hearty & Comforting: A warm bowl of pasta loaded with sausage and veggies — what’s not to love?

• Quick & Easy: This meal is ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for a weeknight dinner.

• Customizable: Feel free to tweak the ingredients to your liking — you can add extra veggies or make it spicier!

Penne Rice Pasta with Veggies & Sausage Recipe

Ingredients:

• 8 oz rice penne pasta (or your preferred gluten-free rice pasta)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage, sliced diagonally

• 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced thinly

• 2 celery stalks, sliced thinly

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh thyme)

• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Romano cheese to taste

• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Rice Pasta:

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rice penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later.

2. Brown the Sausage:

   • While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Once cooked, remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.

3. Cook the Vegetables:

   • In the same skillet, add the carrots and celery. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until softened but still slightly crisp. Stir occasionally to ensure they cook evenly.

   • Add the minced garlic, thyme, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the vegetables, and cook for another minute, stirring to release the fragrance of the herbs.

4. Make the Sauce:

   • Add some of the pasta water to the skillet and stir to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken for another 3-4 minutes, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Combine Everything:

   • Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and mix it into the vegetable and sauce mixture. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.

   • Add the cooked rice pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the sausage and vegetable sauce. Mix in the Romano cheese to taste.

6. Serve and Garnish:

   • Once everything is mixed together and heated through, plate the pasta. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a burst of colour and freshness.

     
     

Tips for Success:

• Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.

• Extra Veggies: Feel free to add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to boost the nutrition and flavour.

  
  

Final Thoughts:

This Penne Rice Pasta with Veggies & Sausage is a simple yet satisfying dish that checks all the boxes for comfort food, with the added bonus of being gluten-free. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal for the weekend, this recipe is sure to become a family favourite.

I hope you enjoy making and devouring this hearty pasta dish! Let me know in the comments how it turns out or if you make any fun modifications. Happy cooking!