Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Charred Hispi Cabbage & Sausage Pasta Recipe


  • Author: Ben
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

A flavorful and hearty pasta dish featuring charred hispi cabbage and savory crumbled sausage, brought together with creamy crème fraîche, wholegrain mustard, and topped with grated parmesan for a deliciously comforting meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 sausages, skins removed
  • 300g penne pasta
  • 1 small hispi cabbage, roughly chopped into small pieces
  • 1 garlic clove, finely sliced
  • 2 oregano sprigs, leaves picked
  • 100g crème fraîche
  • 1 tsp wholegrain mustard
  • 30g parmesan, finely grated

Instructions

  1. Cook the sausage: Heat a wide, deep frying pan over medium heat. Add the olive oil and once hot, add the sausage meat by squashing it into the pan with a spatula, breaking it into small crumbled pieces. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the sausage is golden brown and charred in spots. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked sausage into a small bowl and set aside.
  2. Cook the pasta: While cooking the sausage, boil the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving some of the cooking water for later use.
  3. Char the cabbage: Using the same pan from the sausage, increase the heat to medium-high and add the chopped hispi cabbage. Cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the cabbage softens, turns golden, and develops charred spots.
  4. Add aromatics and sausage back: Stir in the finely sliced garlic and oregano leaves into the cabbage, then return the cooked sausage meat to the pan. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Create the sauce and combine: Stir in the crème fraîche and wholegrain mustard along with 2-3 ladlefuls of the reserved pasta water. Add the cooked penne pasta and mix thoroughly, adding more pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
  6. Finish and serve: Stir in most of the grated parmesan, adjust seasoning if necessary, and serve the pasta topped with the remaining parmesan.

Notes

  • You can use any type of Italian sausage, such as pork or chicken, depending on preference.
  • For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of chili flakes when cooking the cabbage.
  • Reserve some pasta water—it helps create a silky sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
  • If crème fraîche is unavailable, substitute with sour cream or mascarpone for a similar creamy texture.
  • To make this dish gluten free, use gluten-free pasta.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: pasta, hispi cabbage, sausage, creamy pasta, quick dinner, penne, sausage pasta, easy pasta recipes