Penne with Sausage Ragu

This recipe, adapted from one I found in Cuisine at Home magazine, is one of my go-to weeknight favorites. It uses ingredients that I always have on hand, is ready in about 30 minutes, and tastes like an Italian grandma worked all day on it.

Ingredients:

8 oz. bulk Italian sausage

1 medium onion, diced

2 tablespoons garlic, minced

4 tablespoons tomato paste (I use 1 small can)

1 1/2 tablespoons Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1 cup dry red wine, divided

1 (28oz) can crushed tomatoes

1 teaspoon sugar

1 cup water

8 oz. whole wheat penne pasta

1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Salt and Pepper

Directions:

1. Cook sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat until brown and crumbly, about 5 minutes
2. Stir in onion, and cook until it is softened (another 3-4 minutes)
3. Add garlic, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook for an additional 1 minute
4. Add 1/4 cup wine, then increase heat and cook until liquid is mostly evaporated while stirring constantly
5. Stir in tomatoes and sugar, then reduce heat and simmer until thickened (5-8 minutes)
6. Stir in water and remaining wine, then add pasta. Cover and cook on low for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally
7. While pasta is cooking, preheat the broiler with the rack in it's highest position
8. When pasta mixture is done cooking, season with salt and pepper to taste, then divide into 5-6 individual oven-proof baking dishes
9. Top each dish with 1/4 cup of mozzarella cheese, then broil until cheese is golden and bubbly (1-3 minutes-- but watch it closely!)

Serves 5-6