Pasta with Tomatoes, Red Peppers and Italian Sausages

5 tablespoons olive oil
4 Italian sausages -- cut into 3/4 inch slices
1 medium onion -- sliced thinly
3 large red peppers -- cored, seeded, and cut into slivers
3 large firm ripe red tomatoes -- peeled, seeded and diced
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1 tablespoon salt
1 pound rigatoni pasta
10 basil leaves -- cut into strips
2/3 cup Parmesan cheese -- freshly grated

In a medium frying pan warm 3 tablespoons of the olive oil over medium heat, add sausages, cover with lid and saute until golden brown. Remove from pan and set aside.

Add remaining 2 tablespoons oil to pan, warm over medium heat, add onion and saute until golden. Add peppers and cook, turning them from time to time, for 5 to 7 minutes. Add tomatoes and cook for another 10 minutes. Salt and pepper to taste.

Bring 5 quarts of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until tender, (firm to the bite), drain and transfer to a warm bowl. Add the vegetable mixture and basil, toss. Dust with cheese. and serve.

Servings: 6
Source: Florida Tomato Committee