Summer Sausage Sweet Potato Pasta Medley with Cottage Cheese🌞🍅🍝🧄🌿🧀

One of my favorite ways to use summer sausage from our deer! If you're looking for a hearty, protein-packed and delicious dish that's packed with flavor, look no further than this Sweet Potato and Summer Sausage/Meat Pasta Medley with Cottage Cheese. Perfect for those cozy nights in or for sharing with family and friends, this recipe is versatile and can be easily adapted by substituting or adding beef or turkey sausage as well.

Watch the video on my Instagram to see this dish come to life!

Ingredients:

• Main Ingredients:

  • 1 sweet potato (seasoned with olive oil, thyme, rosemary, and sage)

  • 1/2 large yellow onion

  • 3 cups dry penne pasta (or pasta of choice)

  • 3 tsp minced garlic

  • 300g summer sausage

  • 3 cups spinach

  • 1 can diced tomatoes

  • 1.5 cups cottage cheese

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella or feta

  • Pecans for topping (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Dice your sweet potato and onion. Season the sweet potatoes with olive oil, thyme, rosemary, and sage, then air fry for 10 minutes at 400°F, and set aside.

3. Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

4. Saute the Aromatics: Heat oil in a pan and add the diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant (about 3 minutes).

5. Cook the Sausage: Add the summer sausage to the pan along with sage, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned.

6. Add Tomatoes: Pour in the can of diced tomatoes. Stir and let simmer for 15 minutes.

7. Wilt the Spinach: Add the spinach to the pan and stir until wilted.

8. Combine Ingredients: Mix the cooked pasta, sausage mixture, cottage cheese, and seasoned sweet potatoes in a baking dish.

9. Add Toppings: Top with mozzarella, ricotta, or feta cheese, and pecans if desired.

10. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.

11. Serve: Enjoy this flavorful and hearty dish!

Why You'll Love This Recipe:

• Flavorful Combination: The savory sausage paired with the sweetness of the sweet potato and the creamy cheese sauce creates a perfect balance of flavors.

• Protein-Packed: With the inclusion of sausage and cottage cheese, this dish is a great source of protein.

• Versatile: You can easily substitute or add different types of sausage to suit your taste.

• Nutritious: Spinach and sweet potatoes add a healthy dose of vitamins and nutrients.

• Simple and Delicious: Easy to make and absolutely delicious, this recipe is perfect for any occasion.