Orechiette with Cannellini Beans and Sausage

R and I tried this recipe last night, and it was pretty yummy and easy to make (thanks, Giada!). We had a Caesar salad to go with it, and I cheated and added some parmagiana on top of the pasta.

Other than that, we followed the recipe pretty faithfully. I have a suggestion, though. I think the dish needs either a spicy Italian sausage or the addition of some red pepper flakes to the sauce. Otherwise, I think the dish tends to be a bit bland. The pepper will spice things up--like an arrabiata. Also, don't skimp on the oregano. I think we may have needed more of that.

So, get out there and start cooking!

Recipe:

1 pound orechiette pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 pound turkey sausage, casing removed
1 small onion, chopped
1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano leaves
1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain pasta reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid.

In a large, heavy skillet warm the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and onions. Using a wooden spoon break up the sausage into bite-sized pieces as it browns.

Continue cooking until the sausage is golden and the onions are tender. Add the beans and oregano cook for 2 more minutes. Add the cup of pasta cooking liquid and stir, scrapping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the mascarpone cheese and stir until it dissolved into a light sauce. Add the salt, pepper, and hot pasta. Stir until coated and serve.