Spicy Italian Sausage Penne

Spicy Italian Sausage Penne

I used to work at a restaurant called 220 in Birmingham, Michigan, that served this dish.  I craved it every day, so I had to figure out a way to make it…and I did!

Spicy Italian sausage in a creamy tomato sauce= Delish!

Ingredients:

1 pound hot Italian sausage, casings removed
1 cup chopped onion (about 1 medium onion)
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tablespoons tomato paste
2 ounces sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (about 3 Tablespoons)
¼ cup white wine
1- 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon salt
Pinch crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 pound (16 oz.) penne pasta

Directions:

1.  Break up sausage in a large pot or Dutch oven and cook over medium heat until browned.  Add onion, cook until soft and translucent. 

2.  Increase heat to medium-high.  Add garlic, cook for 1 minute.  Add sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste and wine and cook, stirring constantly until wine has evaporated, 1 to 2 minutes.

3.  Add crushed tomatoes, salt and pepper flakes; bring to a simmer.  Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4.  Cook pasta according to package directions; drain.

5.  Add heavy cream to sauce.  Salt and pepper to taste.  Add cooked pasta, stir to combine.  Allow to stand 5 minutes before serving.

Serve with parmesan cheese, if desired.

Makes 6-8 servings

Spicy Italian Sausage Penne