Toscanello Penne Pasta Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Special equipment needed:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet for cooking sausage and sauce
- Wooden spoon for stirring

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened, about 5 minutes.

4. Add the crushed tomatoes, red wine, chicken broth, dried basil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.

5. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.

6. Add the cooked Italian sausage to the skillet and stir to combine.

7. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.

8. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta and garnish with fresh basil leaves.


- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium-high heat for cooking sausage and sauce
- Simmer for cooking sauce
Serving size:
- 4-6 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 600
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Protein: 30g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef or turkey can be used instead of Italian sausage
- White wine can be used instead of red wine
- Vegetable broth can be used instead of chicken broth
- Fresh basil and oregano can be used instead of dried herbs

Variations:
- Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition
- Use different types of pasta, such as rigatoni or fusilli
- Add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce for a creamier texture

Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to cook the pasta al dente so it doesn't become mushy in the sauce
- Use a good quality Italian sausage for the best flavor
- Don't skip the red pepper flakes, as they add a nice kick of heat to the sauce

Storage instructions:
- Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat pasta in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the pasta in a large bowl or on individual plates
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese

Garnishes:
- Fresh basil leaves
- Grated Parmesan cheese

Pairings:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Red wine

Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Grilled asparagus
- Garlic mashed potatoes

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or pasta water to thin it out
- If the pasta is too dry, add a bit more sauce or a drizzle of olive oil

Food safety advice:
- Cook the Italian sausage to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is fully cooked
- Store leftover pasta in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth

Food history:
- Toscanello penne pasta is a classic Italian dish that originated in Tuscany, Italy. It is known for its hearty tomato sauce and flavorful Italian sausage.

Flavor profiles:
- Savory, slightly spicy, and tangy

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the pasta hot with a side of garlic bread and a Caesar salad for a complete meal

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Region: Italian

Taste: Savory, Tangy, Herby, Rich, Spicy, Aromatic