How to Make Sausage Penne

Pasta is a great meal, but it can get boring. Try this recipe for Sausage Penne and wake up your taste buds again. Penne pasta is somewhat like mostacholi which is a hollow tube noodle. It works well in this Italian style recipe because the sauce and flavors actually get inside the noodles giving an extra burst of taste!

Things You'll Need

• 1 Pound bulk Italian sausage
• 1 onion, chopped
• 16 Ounces penne pasta
• 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 Cups mushrooms, sliced
• 1 Red bell pepper
• 2 Zucchini, chopped and unpeeled
• 1 16 Ounce can of Italian style tomatoes
• 2 Teaspoons basil
• 2 Teaspoons oregano
• 1/2 Teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/3 Cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions

Making Sausage Penne

1. Cook the onion and the sausage in a deep, large frying pan on medium high heat until sausage is crumbly and brown. Drain sausage. In the meantime, cook the penne pasta according to the package directions then drain and rinse in cool water.

2. Heat the extra virgin olive oil in another deep large skillet over medium high heat. Add the zucchini, bell pepper and the mushrooms. Cook this until the vegetables are tender; this should take 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in can of tomatoes--do not drain. Add the basil, oregano and red pepper flakes.

3. Lower the heat and simmer for about 30 minutes. Then add the sausage mixture. Simmer for about five more minutes and stir occasionally. Take off the heat and add the pasta, mixing well.

4. Transfer to platter and top with grated Parmesan cheese. Serves 6.

Tips & Warnings

• If you can't find bulk or loose Italian sausage, buy the regular links and slice into 1/4 inch pieces.

• You can use eggplant instead of the zucchini if desired.

• Try chopped portabella mushrooms in place of the regular sliced mushrooms.