Penne with Sausage, Artichokes, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

October 16th, 2009

It occured to me the other day that I have not included many pasta recipes on my blog. Pasta is always what I choose when I need something quickly or don’t want to deal with multiple dishes. Sometimes it is as simple as spaghetti with meat sauce, but most of the time I like more complicated dishes. This Giada De Laurentiis recipe is one of my favorites. It is full of flavor from the hot sausage and sun-dried tomatoes and it uses frozen artichokes which makes it easy. It also has a generous addition of fresh basil and with the coming colder weather I am trying to use as much of it as possible before the herb garden goes into it’s winter mode.

We will be returning to Florida in a few weeks. It has been a wonderful Summer on Lake Lure and we have much to do to close up the house. Next week we are hosting a Meet the Candidates get together from 5:00 to 7:00. If any of you have an interesting appetizer that you think I should include please email me at pennyklett@gmail.com. If you have posted it on your blog you can just supply me with the link. I love being a part of the blogging community.

Giada’s recipe is very adaptable. You can make it with whole wheat pasta and substitute any sausage that you prefer.

PENNE WITH SAUSAGE, ARTICHOKES, AND SUN-DRIED TOMATOES

3/4 cup drained oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, sliced, 2 Tablespoons of oil, reserved
1 pound Italian hot sausages, casings removed
2 (8 ounce) packages frozen artichoke hearts, thawed
2 large garlic cloves, chopped
1 3/4 cups reduced sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup dry white wine
Salt
12 ounces Penne
1/2 cup freshly shredded parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
1/4 cup chopped frsh flat-leaf parsley
8 ounces fresh mozzarella, drained and cubed (optional)
Freshly ground black pepper

Heat the oil reserved from the tomatoes in a large, heavy frying pan over a medium-high flame. Add the sausage and cook until brown, breaking up the meat into bite-size pieces with a fork, about 8 minutes. Transfer the sausage to a bowl. Add the artichokes and garlic to the same skillet, and saute over medium heat until the garlic is tender, about 2 minutes. Add the broth, wine, and sun-dried tomatoes. Boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce reduces slightly, about 8 minutes.

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook, stirring often to prevent the pasta from sticking together, until tender but still firm to the bite, about 10 minutes. Drain the pasta. Add the pasta, sausage, 1/2 cup of the Parmesan cheese, the basil, and parsley to the artickoke mixture. Toss until the sauce is almost absorbed by the pasta. Stir in the mozzarella, if using. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and serve, passing additional Parmesan cheese alongside.

Printable recipe

17 responses to “Penne with Sausage, Artichokes, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes”

  1. Lynda says:

    This looks delicious, Penny…I serve lots of pasta also, so this yummy looking recipe is bookmarked!

  2. Susan says:

    Love this recipe. Welcome back to Florida. Starting this weekend, the weather will be perfect again!!!

  3. I make this dish too! Only, I use canned artichokes instead of the frozen. It is yummy!

    I can’t believe you are going to Fl already! If you and your husband can find time to meet out for lunch let me know!

  4. I remember when you made this for us (maybe last summer). It was delicious! I am a pasta fanatic, for sure!

  5. I love Giada’s recipes. Your pasta looks delicious!

  6. Penny says:

    Lynda, You will love this. Thanks for always being there.
    Susan, Looking forward to Florida. We heard it has been hot, but like you said, better next week.
    Penny, We would love to see you before we leave. Will be in touch. How about the Corner Kitchen in Biltmore Village?
    Kristen, Looking forward to Halloween. Is Rachel going to be a Princess?
    Natashya, Your recipes always look the best. I am sure your weather is getting cold.

  7. Your home and lake views look so beautiful… How can you stand to leave???

  8. Rosabela says:

    I love pasta dishes too. They are quick and easy for a busy night during the week. This sounds delish.:-)

  9. I adore anything with sun dried tomatoes. Your pasta dish sounds perfect for the rainy weather we can’t seem to get rid of. Enjoy the Florida sunshine.
    Sam

  10. Mary says:

    This looks so flavorful! Most of her recipes are great. This looks like a winner.

  11. Penny, there is a really easy “no cook” appetizer of Ina’s on page 29 in Barefoot Contessa Back to Basics that’s spicy salami with sliced hothouse cucumbers that’s pretty and tasty. I made an all appetizer birthday party (for myself) a couple of months ago and used this recipe among others and everyone liked it. Enjoy your party.
    Sam

  12. Katy ~ says:

    This looks and sounds delicious. Pasta is always welcomed at our table, too, and this looks as if we would greatly enjoy this one. Thank you for a delicious share!

  13. Robin Sue says:

    This sounds delicious and I always turn to pasta when I need a quick and healthy supper.

  14. Larry says:

    So many times when people think of pasta, the feel they need to cover up the pasta with a thick sauce. A nice light “sauce” of olive oil is sometimes all you need.

    Thanks for sharing.

  15. TKW says:

    I love Giada, and this pasta looks amazing!

  16. This sausage paste dish sounds wonderful, especially with the sun-dried tomato & artichoke.

    So glad I stumble upon your creative blog. I have always love Lake Lure, since I went to camp along its shores as a child. You have a great site & terrific recipes. Thanks…

  17. Grace says:

    i don’t really like penne pasta–i think it’s too meaty and thick for me. however, you’ve included so many goodies (hello, sun-dried tomatoes, hello, sausage!) that i wouldn’t mind the pasta choice for a second. 🙂

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