Creamy Penne with Italian Sausage

A creamy toss of penne, sausage and Canadian cheese delivers gooey comfort-food vibes in under an hour.

Ingredients

• 1 pkg (18 oz/500 g) penne pasta
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• 4 tbsp (60 mL) Canadian butter, divided
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• 1 small onion, diced
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• 1 clove garlic, minced
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• 1 lb (500 g) fresh Italian sausages (hot or mild), casings removed
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• 1 tbsp (15 mL) dried Italian seasoning
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• 1 ½ cups (375 mL) chicken broth
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• 1 ½ cups (375 mL) Canadian half-and-half (10%) cream
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• ¾ cup (175 mL) grated Canadian hard cheese (like Parmesan or Asiago-style)
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• ½ tsp (2 mL) salt
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• ¼ tsp (1 mL) black pepper
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• 1 tbsp (15 mL) chopped fresh parsley

Preparation

Cook penne according to package directions. Drain and toss with 1 tbsp (15 mL) butter.

In large skillet set over medium heat, melt remaining butter. Add onion and garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 to 3 minutes or until soft and translucent.

Add sausages; cook, stirring occasionally and breaking up sausage with spoon, for 5 to 8 minutes or until starting to brown. Add Italian seasoning and chicken broth. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes.

Add cream and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes or until blended.

Stir in cheese, salt and pepper. Remove from heat; add penne and stir to coat. Garnish with parsley.

Tips :

For a bolder flavour, swipe the Canadian Parmesan for a smoked Canadian cheese, such as smoked Gouda.