Sure, here are some gourmet meal ideas using store-made Italian sausage:
1. Italian Sausage Risotto
– You’ll need arborio rice, dry white wine, onions, garlic, parmesan cheese, chicken broth, and saffron if you have it. Start by sautéing the sausage and setting it aside. In the same pot, sauté onions and garlic, then add the rice. Stir it until the rice is lightly toasted. Start ladling in the broth and stirring, adding more as it’s absorbed. Just before the rice is fully cooked, add the sausage back in, finish with parmesan cheese, and stir until everything is creamy and combined.
2. Italian Sausage and Spinach Stuffed Shells
– Cook large pasta shells according to package instructions. Meanwhile, in a pan, sauté the Italian sausage with some garlic until fully cooked. Combine the cooked sausage with ricotta cheese, spinach, and a good helping of parmesan. Stuff this mixture into the cooked shells, place them in a baking dish atop some marinara sauce, cover with more sauce and cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden.
3. Sausage and Fennel Linguine
– Start by sautéing sliced fennel and onions in a pan. Once they’ve softened, add sliced Italian sausage and cook until browned. Add a splash of white wine, then crushed tomatoes, and let it all simmer into a rich sauce. Toss this sauce with cooked linguine and finish with a sprinkle of fresh fennel fronds and parmesan cheese.
4. Creamy Polenta with Italian Sausage and Peppers
– Make polenta according to the package directions, but finish with a good helping of butter and parmesan cheese for a creamy texture. In another pan, sauté the Italian sausage until browned, then remove and sauté sliced bell peppers and onions. Add the sausage back in, along with a splash of balsamic vinegar. Serve the sausage and peppers over the polenta for a hearty meal.
5. Grilled Italian Sausage with Caprese Salad
– Grill the Italian sausage and serve alongside a Caprese salad made with ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fresh basil leaves. Drizzle the salad with a good quality balsamic glaze and olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. This is a great summer meal when tomatoes are at their peak.
Remember, a gourmet meal isn’t just about the recipe—it’s also about the presentation. Take the time to thoughtfully plate your dish, and maybe even pair it with a wine or cocktail. Enjoy your cooking!
