Andouille Sausage Penne with Marinara

Today was another make something out of nothing day. Surprisingly those usually turn out to be the best meals! Looking around in my bare fridge and cabinets I was able to scrape some things together to make a comforting and filling pasta dish. Its always good to keep a few staples on hand for days like this. A great tip I've found is to keep precut peppers and onions in the freezer. I usually buy them when they are on sale since pepper prices are ridiculous lately. When I bring them home I wash them and slice half of them in strips and dice the other half, that way anytime I need pepper and onions I have some on hand.

Andouille Sausage Penne with Marinara

Servings: 4

Ingredients

3 Andouille Sausage links, 1/4 in sliced on a bias
1 tbsp oil
1 can whole tomatoes (pureed in food processor til smooth)
1 pinch red pepper flakes
1 tbsp sugar
1/2 cup pepper & onions strips
1/2 lb tri-color penne
Salt & pepper

Directions:
 1. Prepare pasta as directed on box.
2. Heat 1 tbsp oil in large skillet on high.
3. Add sausage and brown,turning as needed, once browned, remove & set aside
4. Lower heat to medium, saute peppers & onions until tender crisp (about 4 mins), season with salt & pepper
5. Add pureed tomatoes, red pepper flakes, sugar, and sausage
6. Simmer for 5 minutes stirring occasionally
7. Add drained pasta, simmer another 5 minutes, then enjoy!