A rich blend of sausage, creamy tomato sauce, and penne pasta for a comforting italian-inspired dish.
# Components:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 ounces penne pasta
→ Meats
02 - 10 ounces Italian sausage, casing removed
03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
→ Vegetables & Aromatics
04 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Sauce
06 - 14 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
07 - ½ cup heavy cream
08 - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, or mixed)
09 - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
10 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Cheese & Garnish
11 - ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
12 - Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)
# Method:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
02 - While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble Italian sausage and cook until browned, approximately 4 minutes.
03 - Add finely chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 2 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
04 - Pour crushed tomatoes, dried Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes (if using) into the skillet. Reduce heat and simmer for 3 minutes.
05 - Lower heat to low. Stir in heavy cream, season with salt and black pepper, and simmer gently for 2 minutes to meld flavors.
06 - Add drained pasta to the sauce, tossing to evenly coat. Use reserved pasta water as needed to adjust consistency.
07 - Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning as necessary. Serve immediately garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
