Angela's Italian Recipe for Penne in Ragu

Penne in Ragu


Ingredients:

4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 4 ounces Italian sweet sausage, casings removed 2 garlic cloves, minced 1/8 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper 2 medium carrots, finely chopped 1 medium onion, finely chopped 1 celery stalk, finely chopped 2 cups finely chopped canned whole Italian-style plum tomatoes 1 cup (or more) chicken broth 1/2 cup Chianti or other dry red wine 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil 12 ounces Penne pasta 1 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese

Directions:

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage, garlic, and crushed red pepper; saute until brown, breaking up with fork, about 6 minutes. Add carrots, onion, and celery; saute until beginning to brown, about 10 minutes. Mix in tomatoes. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add 1 cup broth and wine; simmer uncovered until liquid is slightly reduced, about 15 minutes. Add basil; cover and simmer until vegetables are very tender, adding more broth by 1/4 cupfuls if liquid evaporates too quickly and stirring occasionally, about 40 minutes. Simmer uncovered until ragu thickens to desired consistency, stirring often, about 10 minutes longer. Season lightly with salt and pepper. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Refrigerate uncovered until cold, then cover and keep refrigerated. Rewarm over medium heat before using.) Cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until 'al dente'. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup cooking liquid. Return pasta to pot. Mix in ragu, 1/2 cup cheese, and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add cooking liquid by 1/4 cupfuls to moisten, if desired. Season with salt and pepper. Divide pasta among plates. Serve, passing 1/2 cup cheese separately. Makes 6 first-course servings.

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