Servings: 4

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 lb Italian Sausage, casings removed
• 1 cup Onion, chopped
• 1 cup Green Pepper, chopped
• 2 Cloves Garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup Fresh Basil, chopped, or 1 Tbs Dried Basil
• 1/4 tsp Fennel Seed, crushed
• 1 Tbs Olive Oil
• 1 cup Tomato-Based Pasta Sauce
• 1/2 cup Red Zinfandel
• 12 oz Pasta (your favorite)
• 1/4 cup Italian Parsley, chopped
• 1 Tbs Olive Oil
• 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Crumble the Italian sausage into a large skillet. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the meat is well browned. Drain the excess fat and set the cooked sausage aside.
2. In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the chopped onion, green pepper, minced garlic, fresh basil (or dried basil), and crushed fennel seeds over medium heat. Stir frequently to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Cook until the onion becomes translucent, which usually takes about 5 minutes.
3. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and add the tomato-based pasta sauce and red Zinfandel. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling water until it reaches al dente texture. Drain the pasta well.
5. On a large warm serving platter, combine the chopped Italian parsley and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the cooked pasta to the platter and toss everything together to mix well.
6. Pour the prepared sauce over the pasta, making sure it coats the pasta evenly.
7. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the dish as a finishing touch.

Serve the Italian Sausage Pasta while it’s still warm and enjoy a delicious and comforting meal!

Here are some variations of the Italian Sausage Pasta recipe:

1. Vegetarian Version: Replace the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or crumbled tempeh to make it a vegetarian-friendly dish.
2. Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or chili powder to the sauce for a spicier version of the pasta.
3. Creamy Alfredo: Instead of a tomato-based sauce, use a creamy Alfredo sauce with sautéed onions, garlic, and your choice of vegetables.
4. Cheesy Delight: Mix in different types of cheese like mozzarella, cheddar, or gorgonzola to create a cheesy flavor explosion.
5. Mushroom Magic: Add sautéed mushrooms to the sauce for an earthy and savory twist.
6. Seafood Medley: Enhance the dish with seafood like shrimp, mussels, or scallops for a surf-and-turf experience.
7. Pesto Perfection: Substitute the tomato sauce with homemade or store-bought pesto sauce for a refreshing herbal taste.
8. Roasted Vegetables: Roast a variety of vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes before adding them to the pasta for a caramelized flavor.
9. Sundried Tomato Twist: Use sundried tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes for an intense burst of flavor.
10. Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to elevate the aroma of the dish.
11. Healthier Option: Opt for whole-grain pasta or gluten-free pasta for a healthier twist.
12. Citrus Zest: Add some lemon or orange zest to the sauce for a refreshing citrusy touch.
13. Nutty Crunch: Swap pine nuts with toasted almonds, walnuts, or pistachios for a delightful crunch.
14. Sausage Variety: Use different types of sausage, such as chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or spicy sausage, to change the flavor profile.
15. Green Goodness: Incorporate fresh spinach, kale, or arugula to bring some green goodness to the dish.