Teresa's Recipes
Little Italy Pasta
Transport yourself to the charming streets of Little Italy with this hearty pasta dish that captures the essence of Italian cuisine. Bursting with flavors from savory Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, this pasta is not just a meal; it's a celebration of comfort and tradition. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, each bite is a warm hug of deliciousness that will leave your taste buds singing!
Ingredients
- 12 ounces Penne pasta
- 1 pound, casings removed Italian sausage
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 medium, diced Onion
- 3 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1, diced (red or yellow) Bell pepper
- 8 ounces, sliced Mushrooms
- 28 ounces can Crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Dried basil
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1/4 cup, chopped (for garnish) Fresh basil
- 1/2 cup, grated (for serving) Parmesan cheese
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 6
- Dish Type: Main Course
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Calories: 420
- Fat: 20g
- Carbs: 40g
- Protein: 22g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Sugar: 4g
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of the pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion, minced garlic, diced bell pepper, and sliced mushrooms. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5-6 minutes.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, and season with salt and pepper. Mix well to combine and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- Return the cooked Italian sausage to the skillet and let it simmer in the sauce for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve the Little Italy Pasta hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil.
Tips
- For a spicier kick, consider using spicy Italian sausage or adding red pepper flakes.
- Feel free to incorporate other vegetables such as spinach or zucchini for added nutrition.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad and garlic bread.