Recipe: Country Style Penne

This recipe is out of Carmine's family-style cookbook.  I have tweaked a little of this and a little of that. 

1/4 C. olive oil

2 Tablespoons fresh garlic- chopped (I only use fresh, the jarred garlic does not cut it for me)

1/4 C thinly sliced yellow onion

8 oz of ground sausage (or if you are a meat lover you can use the entire 16 oz package) OR you can use Johnsonville's Italian sausage.  Whatever you have on hand... tweak it to your own likings and taste.

1 Tablespoon dried basil (make sure you crush it in between your fingers to release more of the flavor)

1 Tablespoon dried parsley (use the same trick)

1 (15oz) can of white beans- drained and rinsed

2 C chicken stock

1/4 C unsalted butter  (I use real butter... because it makes it taste better. Just call me Paula Deen)  :)

1/2 C Romano cheese

5-6 slices of cooked, crumbled bacon (again, use more or less if you would like)

12 oz penne pasta

8-10 broccoli spears


1.  In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over Med heat.  When the oil is hot add the garlic and cook for about 1 minute until garlic is browned but not burnt.  If it is burning you need to turn the heat down.  Next, add the onions and cook for a few minutes- stirring occasionally or until onions are golden brown. 

2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.

3.  Add the sausage to the skillet.  Break apart and add basil, parsley.  Cook until the sausage is browned. Add the drained, rinsed beans, chicken stock and butter.  Raise the heat to high bringing the sauce to a boil.  Reduce the heat and simmer for about 7-8 minutes.  Stir in 1/4 C of Romano cheese and season it with a dash of pepper.  Add in the cooked and crumbled slices of bacon and let the mixture simmer for few minutes before removing it from the heat.

4.  The large pot of water should be boiling.  Salt the water and add your penne pasta to the boiling water.  Cook the pasta 4-5 minutes.  Add the broccoli to the same pot and continue cooking another 3 or so minutes.  Until the pasta is al dente.  (which means it still has a little bite to it.. its not gummy or mushy) Drain the pasta and broccoli, add the sausage mixture in with the pasta.  Stir together and plate up. Yum!  Add the remaining 1/4 C cheese over individual plates. 

This is a great dish!  Thank you dad for sharing this recipe with me.



Enjoy your family~