italian sausage ragu with penne pasta

For ease, buy Italian sausage in bulk.  If it's not available, simply remove the casings from link Italian sausage.

Makes 3 cups ragu, 4 cups pasta

Total time: 40 minutes

1/2 lb. dry penne or ziti

1/2 lb. bulk Italian Sausage

3/4 cup yellow bell pepper, diced

1/2 cup onion, diced

2 t. tomato paste

2 t. garlic, minced

1/2 cup dry white wine

1 can diced tomatoes in juice (14 oz.)

1 t. sugar

Pinch red pepper flakes

Salt to taste

1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

Grated Parmesan

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the penne.

Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.

Brown the sausage in a large saute pan over medium-high heat for 5 minutes, crushing it into small pieces using a potato masher.  Add the bell pepper and onion; cook 5 minutes.

Stir in tomato paste and garlic.  Saute 2 minutes, stirring frequently.

Deglaze with wine, then increase heat to high and cook until liquid is nearly evaporated.  Add tomatoes, sugar, and pepper flakes; bring to a simmer and cook 5-8 minutes, or until thickened.

Season ragu with salt, stir in parsley, and serve over penne.  Garnish each serving with Parmesan.

Per 3/4 cup ragu with 1 cup pasta: 425 calories; 28% calories from fat; 13g total fat; 53g carb; 842mg sodium; 2g fiber; 9g protein.

From Cuisine at Home magazine, Issue No. 65, October 2007