Pasta with Sausage and Pecorino

Hope everyone's having a great weekend.  It's raining here...a little cold....a little gloomy.

So I wanted to throw out a quick post for a great lunch dish, nothing fancy, just something simple but hearty and satisfying...

Pasta with Sausage and Pecorino

The sausage gives it some hearty texture and the pecorino lends a nutty flavor.  The sauce is made from light fresh tomatoes...quick and easy.  Great for an easy lunch or a light dinner.

The technique is simple.  Boil the pasta in one pot and in a skillet cook the sausage and onions.  Make the sauce by adding the garlic and tomatoes, allowing to cook to release the juices. 

Then just add the pasta to the sauce and stir to combine.  Add a little cheese for some gooeyness then follow with the remaining ingredients and your done....

Yum!

Pasta with Sausage and Pecorino
serves 4

8 oz uncooked penne

8 oz Italian sausage, sweet or hot
2 teaspoons olive oil
1/3 cup onion, sliced

2 teaspoons minced garlic

1 1/4 pounds roma tomatoes, chopped

6 tablespoons grated fresh pecorino Romano cheesesalt & pepper

1/4 cup torn fresh basil leaves

Directions:

Cook pasta according to package directions, drain.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.  Remove casings from sausage.   Add oil to the skillet and heat.  Add sausage and onion to pan; cook 4 minutes, stirring to crumble sausage. Add garlic and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in tomatoes and cook another 2 minutes.  

Turn the heat off and add the drained pasta and 2 tablespoons of cheese.  Stir to coat.    Season with salt & pepper.  Sprinkle with remaining cheese and basil.