Tony’s Pasta
Years ago a colleague named Tony (who by the way was Italian), brought an incredible pasta dish to an office gathering. I asked him for the recipe, and he graciously agreed. The last time that I remember making Tony’s Pasta was in 1991 (yes, I’m that old!) for a family gathering. I honestly don’t know why I haven’t made it again until now, but I guess that’s life. Tony's Pasta is bursting with flavor, and simple to make. It will not disappoint!
Ingredients
- 1 pound Sweet Italian Sausage casings removed
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 medium bell pepper seeded and chopped
- 3 cloves garlic crushed
- 8 ounces fresh mushrooms sliced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¾ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon fennel seeds
- 14.5 ounce can petit diced tomatoes
- 6 ounce can tomato paste
- Parmesan cheese for garnish optional
- 16 ounces Rotini or other pasta cooked according to package directions
Instructions
- Meatballs: Form Italian Sausage into 1-inch balls. Place on a baking sheet with sides, lined with non-stick aluminum foil. Cook at 350º F for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and drain thoroughly on paper towels, pressing as much grease as possible from cooked meatballs.
- Sauce: Heat olive oil to a 12-inch skillet or Dutch oven. Add onions, and bell pepper. Cook over medium heat until onion begins to look transparent (8 to 10 minutes). Add garlic; cook for 30 seconds, or until garlic is fragrant. Add mushrooms and continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the seasonings, petit diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. (If sauce is too thick add a small amount of water.) Cook over medium heat until thoroughly heated. Add meatballs and cook over low heat for 30 minutes (or longer if desired). Correct seasonings.
- If desired, garnish with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese
- Serve with pasta (rotini or ziti), a fresh baguette, a tossed green salad, and a light red wine such as Beaujolais.
- Yield: 6 servings.
Tips/Notes
NOTE: This freezes well. The flavor improves if made the day before and reheated before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 630kcalCarbohydrates: 71gProtein: 24gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 57mgSodium: 1069mgPotassium: 1035mgFiber: 6gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 655IUVitamin C: 32.6mgCalcium: 79mgIron: 4.1mg
Tried this recipe? Add me to Google's Preferred Sources above.
