Ingredients

1 lb penne pasta , barilla brand
1 1/3 lbs pork sausage
3 garlic cloves , chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 ounces pine nuts , toasted ( directions below )
1 can tomato sauce
2 red bell peppers , roasted and chopped
6 plum tomatoes , diced
1/4 dry red wine
1/8 cup sun-dried tomato , chopped ( about 9 pieces )
1 cup light cream
salt and pepper , to taste
1/4 cup fresh basil , chopped ( ONLY USE FRESH ! ! ! )
Creamy pink sauce with sausage and pine nuts over penne is a hearty and satisfying Italian dish that is perfect for pasta lovers. The savory sausage and nutty pine nuts complement the chunky pink sauce made with tomato, cream, and roasted red bell peppers. The dish is simple to make yet packed with flavors that will leave you wanting more. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend gathering with friends and family. Serve with garlic bread and a crisp salad for a complete meal.

Instructions

1.Cook penne pasta in boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, and set aside.
2.In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, cook the pork sausage, stirring and breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 10 minutes. Drain the grease and set aside the meat.
3.In the same saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped garlic and saute for 1-2 minutes.
4.Add the red bell peppers, plum tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, tomato sauce, and red wine to the saucepan, and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and the sauce has thickened.
5.Stir in the cooked sausage, toasted pine nuts, light cream, and fresh basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6.Add the cooked penne to the saucepan, and toss to combine. Heat through over low heat for 2-3 minutes.
7.Serve hot with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if desired.

PROS

This dish is creamy and flavorful with a pleasant combination of sausage, penne, and pink sauce.
Plus, the added crunch from toasted pine nuts is delightful.
It’s also easy to make and can be prepared in advance for dinner parties or potlucks.

CONS

The dish has a high calorie and fat content due to the sausage and light cream.
It may not be suitable for individuals with certain dietary restrictions, and it’s important to enjoy it in moderation.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Although not the healthiest option, this dish does have some nutritional value. The pork sausage provides a good source of protein, while the addition of red bell peppers and tomatoes increases the intake of essential vitamins and minerals. Pine nuts are also an excellent source of healthy fats and nutrients. Using whole-grain pasta can also add fiber to the dish, benefiting digestive health.

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