Sweet Sausage Mediterranean Penne Pasta

ARathkamp's Note:

This recipie was inspired by #269690 with alterations to our family's taste. My husband and I made this for some friends while on vacation and it was a huge hit, even with all the children ranging from 8 to 18. I hope everyone enjoys it as much as we do. This is a very popular request for meals at our house.

• Total Time: 30 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 5 links sweet Italian sausage (we like Johnsonville)
• 1 (8 ounce) box penne rigate
• 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can diced tomatoes with basil oregano and garlic (diced, Del Monte makes these)
• 1 (6 ounce) jar marinated artichoke hearts
• 1 (2 ounce) can black olives, sliced (or can use fresh)
• 1/2 cup butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 bunch fresh asparagus
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano (or to taste or can use fresh)
• 2 teaspoons dried sweet basil leaves (or to taste or can use fresh)
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, fresh shaved

Directions:

1. Cook pasta per directions on package.
2. Cut asparagus into 1 inch pieces.
3. Slice sausage links. In large skillet (we use a wok), sauté sausage and asparagus until almost fully cooked (about 7 - 10 minutes). Remove from skillet / wok and set aside.
4. In same skillet / wok, bring butter, garlic, tomatoes (with juices), black olives (drained) and artichokes (including marinade), to a boil.
5. Lower heat. Add back sausage and asparagus, basil, and oregano then simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Place pasta in serving bowl and pour skillet / wok mixture over pasta.
7. Sprinkle with fresh shaved parmesan cheese and serve.

Reviews

[Pinkngreen3]

This recipe is sooo good & yummy!! My whole family (young kids too!) went back for thirds. Which, btw, is rare in my household! What I did differently was not much, I added an extra can of diced or stewed italian style tomatoes. I also cut the casings off the sausage and I simmered the tomato sauce for 30 min. This is wonderful and everyone wants it again next week :)

[Lavender Lynn]

This looked great in the pan and fabulous on the plate! Everyone who tried it loved it. We didn't have diced tomatoes so used a can of sliced ones we had on hand, and similarly tossed in whole olives in place of sliced. Otherwise followed the unusually detailed and well-written instructions. Took longer than advertised but wasn't difficult, and was a pleasure to make and eat. We advise those who come after to be sure you have a big enough pan, and if you start with raw sausage, brown it a bit before trying to slice it. Made for Pick A Chef, April 09.