Italian Sausage with Tomatoes and Penne

• Total Time: 42 mins
• Prep Time: 25 mins
• Cook Time: 17 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 3 cups uncooked penne pasta
• 1 lb Italian sausage, cut crosswise into 1/4 inch slices
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 medium yellow squash, cut lengthwise in half,then cut crosswise into 1/4 inch slices
• 2 cups grape tomatoes or 2 cups cherry tomatoes, cut lengthwise in half
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (or 1 T. dried basil)
• 6 green onions, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions:

1. Prepare pasta according to package directions.
2. Spray a large skillet with non-stick cooking spray.
3. Over medium heat, cook sausage for 4-6 minutes or until browned.
4. Add in broth and stir; cover and cook 5 minutes.
5. Add in squash, tomatoes, and 2 tablespoons of the basil.
6. Bring to a boil, lower heat, cover and simmer 5 minutes, stir occasionally.
7. Add in onions; simmer uncovered for 1 minute.
8. Check seasoning to taste, add salt/pepper if desired.
9. In a big mixing bowl, add cooked penne, oil, and remaining basil; toss to coat.
10. Spoon pasta into individual serving plates or bowls; top with sausage mixture.
11. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired.

Reviews

[ColCadsMom]

I used zucchini instead of yellow squash, spaghetti noodles since I had no penne, Sweet Italian turkey sausage and chicken broth, and used light Italian salad dressing instead of the olive oil. It sounds like I didn't even make the dish doesn't it!Anyway, it was delicious! It is a great departure from the marinara or alfredo sauce pasta dishes. Using the turkey sausage and Italian dressing instead of olive oil cut WAY back on the fat and calories too. My entire family loved it and I will make it again!

[VickiC]

This is really good. I added red and yellow peppers and used zucchini instead of yellow squash. I also used turkey italian sausage. Didn't have fresh basil so I had to use dried. I think you could add many different vegies to this and not hurt the integrity of the dish. Next time I think I'll add spinach leaves, pea pods for even more of a nutritional boost. Thanks for the recipe.

[Marlene.]

Very very good! The only substitution I used was Healthy Choice Smoked Sausage in place of regular sausage to save some fat and calories. Delicious.