Monday, July 26, 2010

Penne with Italian Sausage and Zucchini (Darlene Neal)

Ingredients:

  • 1 package (16 oz) penne pasta
  • Salt (to taste)
  • 1 lb. Italian sausage (casings removed)
  • 4 med. (about 8 oz. each) zucchini (cut lengthwise in half, then crosswise into 1/4 in. thick slices)
  • 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp. basil
  • 1/4 tsp. oregano
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) whole tomatoes
  • 16 oz. parmesan & romano ragu (or your favorite flavor)
  • 2 tbsp. olive oil
  • Grate parmesan and/or shredded 5 Italian cheeses (optional)
In a large sauce pan, prepare pasta according to directions on box.

Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Add sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes, stirring frequently to break up sausage. Drain sausage in bowl with paper towel.


Add 2 tablespoon of olive oil to skillet. Add zucchini, pepper, basil, oregano, and salt. Cook until zucchini is golden, about 5 minutes stirring occasionally. Stir in tomatoes with their juice and ragu; heat to boiling breaking up tomatoes with side of spoon. Add sausage back into skillet. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer about 5 minute longer.

Drain pasta; return to large sauce pan. Add sausage and tomato mixture and toss well. Serve with grated parmesan and shredded 5 Italian cheese if you like.