Penne with Sweet Sausage, Roasted Tomato Sauce, and Arugula

Makes 4 servings

This is a special dinner, especially good in the spring and summer when fresh basil and arugula are available at the farmer’s market. But it is also a filling meal that can warm you up on a cold winter evening.

ingredients

1 1/2 pounds sweet Italian-style sausage, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh basil
1/2 cup dry red wine
4 cups roasted tomato Sauce (or favorite tomato sauce
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 pound penne pasta (whole wheat preferred)
3 cups packed fresh arugula
About 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

directions

1
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to boil. Add the penne, stir well, and cook for about 12 minutes or until the pasta is al dente.
2
Pour 1 cup of cold water over the sausage in a large skilled. Bring to a boil over high heat, reduce the heat to medium and cook for about 12 to 15 minutes. Drain excess water from the pan.
3
Remove the pan from heat and add the oil to the pan, then place over medium heat. Let the sausages brown for 1 to 2 minutes and then add the basil and cook for 30 seconds. Add the wine and simmer for 3 minutes. Add the tomato sauce, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4
Add the arugula to the sauce about 5 minutes before the pasta is done, and stir until it wilts.
5
Before draining the pasta, add 3 tablespoons of the pasta water to the sauce and stir well. Drain pasta and transfer to serving bowl. Toss the pasta with the sauce, then sprinkle with a few tablespoons of the cheese. Serve the remaining cheese on the side.
6
To reheat, add 1/2 cup wine, 1/2 cup water and grate more cheese on top. Then bake in the oven for about 10 minutes.