Creamy Tomato Sausage Pasta

Ingredients

8oz Penne pasta, cooked to al-dente according to package instructions

1 lb Hot/Sweet Italian Sausage Links

1 Green Bellpepper, diced (hot)

1 Yellow Onion, diced

4 cloves Garlic, minced

1 (28oz) can Tomato Sauce

1 Tbs Italian Seasoning

1 ½ tsp Crushed Red Pepper (hot)

½ tsp Sugar

1 Cup Parmesan, shredded

1/3 Cup Heavy Whipping Cream

1 cup Basil, ripped from the stem (sweet)

Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions

This can be made as a hot or sweet and savory version, adjust ingredients as listed above

Brown sausage in a large saucepan. Remove sausage and place on plate with paper towel to drain

Add onion to the pan and sauté in sausage grease until soft, adding bellpepper 3 minutes after the onion. Add garlic in the last minute, sauté until fragrant, about one minute

Add tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, and sugar. Bring to a light simmer

Add cheese and cook until fully melted

Add sausage. Let simmer for 15 minutes

Add heavy cream and basil. Simmer until basil is fully wilted, about 5 minutes. Tear basil just before adding to avoid bruising

Add cooked penne noodles, stir to combine and heat through

Allow pasta to rest up to 5 minutes before serving