Mud Season Pasta with Pasture-Raised Italian Sausage
A nourishing, 30-minute meal made with farm-fresh ingredients
When the snow melts but spring hasn’t fully arrived, and the skies stay gray, we crave meals that offer warmth and ease. This is our go-to comfort dish during mud season — a simple, hearty pasta made with Late Bloomer Ranch's pasture-raised Italian sausage, farm eggs, and pantry staples.
It’s a recipe that’s become a weekly tradition on the ranch. Quick to make, deeply satisfying, and full of flavor — even after long days of farm work.
What Makes Our Sausage Different
Our pasture-raised Italian sausage is slow-grown on open pasture, free from fillers or preservatives. It’s richer, more flavorful, and packed with nutrients you won’t find in conventional meat.
Nutritional benefits:
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High-quality protein and healthy fats that support energy and hormone balance
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B vitamins (especially B12 and B6) for cognitive and nervous system support
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Collagen, iron, and zinc to promote gut health, skin, and immunity
When you eat well-raised food, you feel the difference.
Ingredients (Serves 2–3)
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½ pound Late Bloomer Ranch Italian sausage (or ground primal pork)
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½ pound pasta of choice (orecchiette or fusilli work well)
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2 farm eggs, room temperature
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or chives)
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Salt and freshly cracked pepper
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Optional: seasonal greens like spinach, kale, or early spring dandelion greens
Instructions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
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While it heats, warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook, breaking into small pieces.
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When nearly browned, add garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. Season with salt and pepper.
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Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
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In a small bowl, whisk eggs and Parmesan until smooth.
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Add pasta to the skillet with the sausage. Stir in greens if using.
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Remove from heat and stir in the egg-cheese mixture quickly to avoid scrambling. Gradually add pasta water until you reach a silky, glossy consistency.
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Finish with more pepper, herbs, and Parmesan.
Make It Your Own
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Add preserved summer tomatoes
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Use different greens or fresh spring herbs
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Finish with a spoonful of cultured butter for added richness
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a side salad or thick slices of sourdough. This pasta also reheats beautifully the next day — just add a splash of broth or water when warming.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even more comforting the next day.
Cook With Us
This recipe features our pasture-raised Italian sausage, available in our BloomBoxes — curated bundles of our finest cuts, hand-selected for flavor and versatility. With box options for weeknights, gatherings, and everything in between, there's something for every table.
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