SAUSAGE WITH PASTA IN TOMATO-CREAM SAUCE

1 pound sweet Italian sausage
1 medium onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can peeled and diced tomatoes (with juices)
1/2 cup light cream
1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped, divided use
1/2 pound penne rigate pasta (or other tubular pasta)
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated, divided use

Squeeze the sausage from the casing into a large skillet. Over medium heat, saute the sausage, onion and garlic together. Continue to saute until the sausage is lightly brown, about 7 minutes.

Drain the drippings from the skillet. Add wine to sausage and simmer about 2 minutes.

Add tomatoes with juices and simmer about 3 more minutes.

Reduce the heat to low and stir in cream. Stir and simmer for about 5 minutes.

Mix in 1/4 cup chopped basil and reduce heat to warm. Stir in 1/4 cup Parmesan.

Meanwhile, cook penne pasta according to package directions, about 10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain.

TO SERVE:
Divide pasta into 4 warm pasta bowls or entree plates. Ladle about 1 cup sauce atop each bowl of pasta. Sprinkle each portion with 1 tablespoon each Parmesan and basil. Serve hot. If desired, garnish with fresh whole basil leaves.

Servings: 4
Source: National Hot Dog and Sausage Council