Just because I like you...

Confession: I'm a Food Network junkie. Somehow, I figure if I watch long enough, some of that kitchen-y goodness is bound to rub off on me and *boom*, I'll be the next Barefoot Contessa (albeit one with flip flops and a good pedicure).

ANYHOO.

Was watching Giada one afternoon (she of the oversized head on her too tiny, overenthusiastic body) and while I sat on the sofa drooling, she prepared this amazing masterpiece of a dish. Through the magic of the internets, I stole her secrets, and damn if her inspiration didn't make for one of the best meals I've ever prepared in my whole entire life. Not to mention one that is being pasted directly into my "go to" binder of favorite recipes.

Seriously.

It's that good. And that easy.

So I'm sharing it with you.

Ready?

Orechiette with Sausage, Beans and Mascarpone

1 pound orechiette pasta (look for it - it's worth it. I found it at Kroger)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 pound lean turkey Italian sausage (casings removed)
1 small onion, chopped
1 (15 oz.) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed (don't skip these!)
1-2 cups fresh kale, chopped (okay, I added this bit. I love kale. But it WORKS. So DO it!)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano leaves
1/2 cup mascarpone cheese (again - not hard to find, if you ASK)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Cook pasta according to package instructions and drain, reserving 1 cup of the pasta water.

In a large, heavy skillet, warm the olive oil over medium high heat. Add the sausage and onions. Use a wooden spoon to break the sausage up into bite-sized pieces as it browns. Continue cooking until sausage is golden and onions are tender. Add the cup of reserved pasta water and stir, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the (drained) beans, kale and oregano and cook for 2 more minutes, or until kale is just wilted. Add the mascarpone cheese and stir until it melts into a light sauce.

Pour sausage mixture over hot pasta and stir until coated. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Serve with a good, crusty bread (ciabatta works well) and your favorite wine.

Eat.

Sigh a heavenly sigh.

Pour yourself another glass of wine.

Pat yourself on the back.

Kick your feet up and relax, knowing dirty dishes are God's way of giving us permission to put off 'til tomorrow what we're too satisfied to do today.

:-)

Follow these instructions, and before you know it, you can have a BIG HEAD of your very own.

Just like Giada.

Comments

[colleen]

I watch Rachel Ray and sometimes write stuff down, but I've never made anything yet!

[Deanna]

Come back!

[mary]

This is so funny but I wrote a piece today and titled it "Food Network Junkie" hahah! Great recipe. I may try it...with the kale. (that's the southern in you coming out)

[Jen&HerBoat]

One, that's a scary picture.

Two, after rereading some of both of our old posts - I miss us. For different reasons, but still, there it is.

[egan]

I just have to say this to feel better, Giada's mouth is way too big compared to the rest of her body.

[Tammie]

I watch her occasionally and I always love her recipes. I think I'm going to try this, keeping the sausage to the side so Veggie Stick can have some.
Thanks for posting it!

[Monique]

I am such a Food Network junkie too! Which makes no sense since I don't cook. I just love drooling over all the delicious dishes that I could never pull off myself.

[Deanna]

Aw now. Y'all lay off Giada! She's my girl!

[pat]

she does have big head...this sounds good, but maybe I can sub spinach for the kale?

[Phyllis]

I'd heard boob job, but it could be leftovers from the pregnancy titty fairy.

[Jennifer]

Did she have a boob job? I thought it was just leftover from her pregnancy.

[Phyllis]

She's not quite as wopsided as she was pre-boob job.