Four ingredients: browned Italian sausage, a scoop of tangy, spicy giardiniera, pasta and parmesan, pulled together with a ladle of pasta water. The best condiment on a Chicago Italian beef sandwich, turned into a fast weeknight pasta.
Why this works
- Giardiniera does the heavy lifting: pickled vegetables, chili and oil add acid, heat and crunch in one spoonful.
- Browned sausage brings savory, fennel-spiced richness.
- Starchy pasta water and parmesan turn it into a glossy sauce.
My tips
- Store-bought hot giardiniera works if you don’t have homemade; drain some of the oil if it’s very oily.
- Gluten-free pasta goes from al dente to mushy quickly, so pull it a minute early.
- Save a cup of pasta water before draining.
- I used my own turkey sausage, but any good Italian sausage works.
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The story behind it
Jump to RecipeWelcome back to our culinary journey playing with a fusion recipe! My Sausage and Giardiniera Pasta was a brainstorm of having made to much giardiniera. I decided that the giardiniera would add a lot of flavor and it is Italian in origin. This innovative recipe boasts a homemade giardiniera sauce that adds a tangy cheese kick to the pasta, while the sous vide turkey sausage brings a juicy and savory spice to the dish.
Giardiniera
Giardinierais a flavorful condiment that has a rich and diverse history, primarily rooted in Italian and Italian-American culinary traditions. This pickled vegetable mixture is characterized by its tangy and slightly spicy flavor, making it a beloved addition to various dishes. Here’s a brief history of giardiniera:
1. Italian Origins: Giardiniera, which means “from the garden” or “gardener’s salad” in Italian, traces its origins back to Italy. It was initially created as a way to preserve surplus vegetables during the summer months when they were abundant.
2. Regional Variations: Italy is known for its diverse regional cuisines, and giardiniera is no exception. Different regions have their own variations of this condiment, with the choice of vegetables and spice levels varying widely. For example, in Southern Italy, giardiniera often includes cauliflower, carrots, and celery, while Northern Italian versions might feature more peppers – my version is more Southern and the recipe can be found HERE
3. Italian-American Influence: Giardiniera gained popularity among Italian immigrants who brought their culinary traditions to the United States. Italian-American communities, especially in cities like Chicago, played a significant role in popularizing this condiment. In Chicago, giardiniera is closely associated with Italian beef sandwiches and it is so good says this lifelong Chicagoan.
4. Versatile Use: Giardiniera is prized for its versatility. It can be used in sandwiches, salads, pasta dishes, and as a topping for hot dogs, sausages, and burgers. Its tangy and slightly spicy kick adds a delightful contrast to various dishes.
DIY Turkey Sausage
I have wanted to make my own sausage before. I did begin with ground turkey but I made my own spice mix to season the sausage. The kicker for this recipe was using a sous vide to solidify the sausage instead of using a casing. Pretty simple – I wrapped the sausage in plastic wrap, and then, vacuum sealed it before using the sous vide.
Grab your fork and savor the unique blend of flavors as you enjoy the creamy and tangy homemade giardiniera sauce, perfectly paired with the succulent sous vide turkey sausage.
Building the fusion pasta.
The Sausage and Giardiniera Pasta plated
Make ahead & storage
- Best fresh. Leftovers keep 3 days; reheat with a splash of water.
Variations
- Add a handful of spinach or arugula at the end.
- Use chicken sausage or crumbled pork sausage.
- Top with toasted breadcrumbs for crunch.
Questions people ask
What is giardiniera?
An Italian pickled vegetable relish, usually cauliflower, carrots, celery and peppers. In Chicago it’s spicy and packed in oil.
Is it spicy?
Hot giardiniera is. Use mild giardiniera for less heat.
Can I use regular pasta?
Yes, if you don’t need it gluten-free.
You might also like: DIY Giardiniera · Gluten Free Mexican Sausage Pasta · Seafood Sausage & Pasta
Made this? Leave a star rating in the recipe card below and tell me how it turned out in the comments. I read every one.
The Recipe
Sausage & Giardiniera Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 Whole Turkey Italian Sausages, diced
- 1 1/2 Cups Giardiniera, see notes for recipe link
- 1 Lb GF pasta
- 1/2 Cup Parmesan, shredded
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package until al dente. Save about a cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet, brown the diced sausage, about 5 minutes. Move it to a plate.
- Add the giardiniera to the pan and heat 1–2 minutes.
- Add the pasta with a ladle of pasta water, then the parmesan and sausage. Toss well.
- Add more pasta water as needed for a glossy sauce. Serve and enjoy!
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