Italian Tomato Sausage Ragu With Penne

Kittencalskitchen's Note:

I use Chianti wine for this recipe but any good dry red wine will do, this can be made using a mixture of ground beef and pork but Italian sausage meat is so much better --- if possible prepare this a day ahead and refrigerate to allow flavors to blend just rewarm on top of the stove

• Total Time: 1 hrs 40 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hrs 30 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 12 ounces Italian sausages, casings removed (can use more)
• 1 -2 tablespoon fresh minced garlic
• 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes (you can use more if you like spicy)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional or adjust to suit heat level)
• 2 -3 carrots, peeled and cut into about 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 celery, finely chopped
• 3 cups whole canned tomatoes, finely chopped (I use one 28-ounce can of whole tomatoes, drained then chop the tomatoes)
• 1 cup chicken broth (more if needed)
• 1/3 cup dry red wine
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
• salt & freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 1 1/2 cups grated parmesan cheese (or to taste)

Directions:

1. In a large skillet heat oil over medium heat.
2. Add in the sausage meat, garlic, oregano and pepper flakes; sauté until brown, breaking up the meat with a fork (about 7 minutes).
3. Add in finely chopped carrots, onion and celery; sauté for about 10 minutes.
4. Mix in chopped tomatoes; reduce heat, cover and simmer about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Add in 1 cup broth and wine; simmer uncovered until liquid is slightly reduced (about 20 minutes).
6. Add in the fresh basil; cover and simmer until the veggies are very tender, stirring occasionally.
7. Continue to simmer for about 45-50 minutes, adding in more broth by about 1/4 cup if the liquid evaporates to quickly, and cook until the Ragu thickens to desired consistency.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until just firm-tender; drain but reserve about 1/2 cup cooking water.
10. Return the pasta to the pot; add in the Ragu; mix to combine.
11. Add in about 1/2 - 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese and 2-3 tablespoons olive oil; mix to combine.
12. If the mixture seems too dry then add in some of the reserved cooking water from the pasta.
13. Season with more salt and pepper.
14. Divide on plates and top with more cheese.

Reviews

[Elly in Canada]

This is very close to the recipe I have been making for years! I used some ground beef and hot sausage meat, so I added 1/2 tsp. pepper flakes. added oregano and dried basil and 1 tblsp garlic. I did not measure the red wine, just emptied the rest of the bottle!! LOL!! I love cooking with diced tomatoes, no need to chop them. I did not add additional olive oil with the cheese, the texture was just right. Topped with lots of cheese, enjoyed my glass of wine and a great pasta dinner!