Italian Sausage with Tomatoes and Penne penguin: Prep: 25 min Total: 25 min
3 cups uncooked penne pasta (9 ounces)
1 pound uncooked Italian sausage links, cut crosswise into 1/4-inch slices
1/2 cup beef broth
1 medium yellow summer squash, cut lengthwise in half, then cut crosswise into 1/4 inch slices
2 cups grape or cherry tomatoes, cut lengthwise in half
1/4 cup chopped fresh or 1 tablespoon dried basil leaves
6 green onions, cut into 1/2-inch pieces ( 1/2 cup)
2 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil
1. Cook and drain pasta as directed on package.
2. While pasta is cooking, spray 12-inch nonstick skillet with cooking spray; heat over medium-high heat. Cook sausage in skillet 4 to 6 minutes, stirring frequently, until brown. Stir in broth; reduce heat to medium. Cover and cook 5 minutes.
3. Stir in squash, tomatoes and 2 tablespoons of the basil. Heat to boiling; reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in onions. Simmer uncovered 1 minute.
4. Toss pasta, oil and remaining 2 tablespoons basil. Divide pasta among individual bowls. Top with sausage mixture. 4 servings.
High Altitude (3500-6500 ft): In step 3, after heating to boiling, reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer about 7 minutes.
1 Serving: Calories 590 (Calories from Fat 280); Fat 31g (Saturated 9g); Cholesterol 120mg; Sodium 920mg; Carbohydrate 51g (Dietary Fiber 4g); Protein 27g
% Daily Value: Vitamin A 24%; Vitamin C 22%; Calcium 8%; Iron 28%
Exchanges: 3 Starch, 1 Vegetable, 2 High-Fat Meat, 5 Fat
Carbohydrate Choices: 3 1/2
Substitution
One pound fully cooked mild Italian sausages can be used instead of the uncooked links. Just omit the cooking in step 2, and heat the broth and sausage with the squash, tomato and basil in a 12-inch skillet as directed in step 3.
Success Hint
Cut meat and vegetables into pieces of uniform size to ensure even cooking. Meat and poultry will be easier to slice if you freeze them slightly before cutting.
Special Touch
Shave fresh Parmesan cheese over this Italian bowl. Or if you are in a hurry, use purchased shredded or grated Parmesan cheese.
