Sausage & Peppers Penne

When I first started this blog a few months ago, I was hoping that it would inspire me to really learn some of the basics of cooking and become more familiar with our kitchen. It definitely has! I cook now more than ever, and after watching so many cooking shows I feel like I'm beginning to get the hang of things. I had decided to base my recipes off of those I saw on cooking shows because I figured actually watching someone do/explain a recipe would be the best way to learn. Like when one of Ina's recipes called for a double boiler, I originally thought that meant I would have to go buy another expensive pan from WS, but after watching her do it I realized it was just a bowl over a pot of simmering water. I know, I'm slightly pathetic, but that's why I'm a wannabe! :)

I've recently decided to open the flood gates though and start branching outside of just cooking shows. I mean there is a lot out there to learn! Don't get too excited, I'm not going to be making something hard to pronounce anytime soon, but maybe attempt to get a bit more adventurous.

With this new gig, I present to you one of my all time favorite really easy and hearty dishes - Sausage and Peppers Penne. Just as it's starting to get cold outside, this is the kind of food you crave at the end of a long day. It combines chunks of delicious sausage (the recipe calls for hot italian, but I used sweet cause I'm not so into the spicy), slices of brightly colored peppers and penne in a tomatoey sauce. It takes under 30 minutes to come together and is really satisfying. It's definitely man food as my hubby makes requests for this even in the dead of summer.

On a very happy and exciting note - Two Peas and their Pod (who are fantastic and always have amazing looking food and great stories - go check them out!) gave me this Kreativ Blogger Award. Yippee!! I've never gotten an award before!!! Thanks so much guys!

I had such a nice surprise out of this, why not pass along the fun to some other wonderful blogs - Sugar Plum (she is soo creative and has great pictures and stories) and Under the High Chair (who always has great writing/food/pictures and also makes being a mom look glorious).

Sausage & Peppers Penne

Adapted from It's Good for You

8 ounces uncooked penne pasta

1 lb turkey sausage (hot or sweet)

3 bell peppers (colors are best - like red, yellow & green)

1/2 cup chopped onion

2 minced garlic cloves

1 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes (not drained)

1 8 ounce can tomato sauce

2 teaspoons Pantry Italian Seasoning Mix

1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan

• Boil a large pot of water for pasta.
• Cook sausage over medium-high heat until no longer pink (14-16 minutes).
• Cut peppers into slices and roughly chop onion.
• When sausage is done cooking, remove from pan and diagonally slice into 1-inch pieces.
• Add pasta to boiling water and cook according to package directions. When done, drain and set aside.
• Add peppers, onions and garlic to pan over medium heat and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until veggies become slightly tender.
• Add sausage, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce and seasoning to pan. Stir to combine and cook until heated through (1-2 min).
• Pour sauce mixture over pasta and toss with Parmesan before serving.