SAUSAGE & PENNE PASTA POT

Looking for a quickie kid-friendly supper that's tasty AND easy to make?  Have I got a deal for you!  

ABOVE:  The pasta is cooking, and I've done all the prep work except for slicing the sausage.  Having everything ready to go once you start assembling the dish really speeds things along!

SAUSAGE & PENNE PASTA POT

Serves 4

8 ounces uncooked mini Penne pasta

1 medium yellow onion, quartered & sliced

1 large clove garlic, minced

2 T. olive oil

1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms

1/2 large yellow bell pepper, cut in 1/4" wide strips

2 small zucchini, sliced 1/4" thick

14 oz. Kielbasa or smoked sausage, sliced in 1/4" thick rounds

2 cups (1/2 jar) tomato & basil pasta sauce

Prepare the mini Penne per package directions.

While the pasta is cooking, clean and cut the onion, mushrooms (if not pre-sliced), bell pepper and sausage as indicated. 

When the pasta is done, reserve 1/4 cup of the hot pasta cooking water, then drain the Penne and set aside.  

Return the pasta pot to the stove, add the 2 T. olive oil and set the heat at medium-high.  When the oil starts to shimmer, add the sliced onions and saute for about a minute.  Add the minced garlic and saute for another minute. 

Now add the mushrooms, bell pepper, zucchinis and your sausage rounds.  Continue sauteing and tossing for about 5 minutes over medium-high heat.  Add the reserved pasta water, reduce the heat to a quick simmer and cook for about 5 minutes or until the zucchinis are tender.  Add the pasta sauce, stirring to blend well, and simmer for another 5 minutes.

Finally, add the drained pasta, folding and stirring gently to distribute the pasta throughout.  Serve with slabs of crusty French bread.

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ABOVE:  The finished dish, ready to fill hungry tummies.  Come and get it!!

NOTES:  The brand of pasta sauce I chose was 'Francesco Rinaldi', but feel free to use whatever brand you like.  

Also, use whatever shape of pasta you prefer.  I like the little Penne because it has the ridges on the surface that hold the sauce really well.

The sausage was 'Hillshire Farms' Beef Smoked Sausage, but any similar fully-cooked dinner sausage will work fine, including those made with turkey or chicken. 

This recipe can easily be doubled. 

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