Penne Italiano

This is very easy if you use pre-made marinara sauce. You can also make the sauce from scratch, like this one from Emeril Lagasse.

Penne Italiano

1 package penne rigate
4 tbsp. olive oil
1 package spicy Italian sausage, sliced diagonally into 1/2-inch slices
3-4 garlic cloves, chopped
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 large red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
1 large zucchini, halved and sliced diagonally
5 large mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
2 c. marinara sauce
salt and pepper to taste
fresh chopped Italian parsley to taste
grated fresh parmigiano-reggiano to taste

Cook the penne according to package directions.

In a large pot, saute the sausage in olive oil over medium high heat until golden brown. Add onion and garlic and saute until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add bell pepper, zucchini and mushroom slices and saute for another minute. Add marinara sauce. Season mixture with salt and pepper to taste and continue cooking until heated through. Add drained, cooked pasta to sauce and mix well.

Serve immediately with chopped fresh parsley and freshly grated parmigiano-reggiano to taste. Some crusty Italian bread and a nice bottle of barolo would complete this meal.

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