Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta

Instructions

1. 1

   Bring the water and salt to a boil in a large pot. Meanwhile, finely chop the onion, mince the garlic and finely grate the Parmesan. Remove the sausage casings if present.

2. 2

   Add the penne to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the cooking water, then drain.

3. 3

   While the pasta cooks, heat a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it into small pieces, for 8–10 minutes, until browned and cooked through, 160°F/71°C. Spoon off excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the skillet.

4. 4

   Reduce the heat to medium. Add the onion and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring, until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in the cream and black pepper, reduce the heat to low and gently simmer for 3 minutes.

5. 5

   Add the drained penne and ¼ cup of the reserved cooking water. Toss over low heat for 1 minute, then remove from the heat and stir in the Parmesan until melted. Add more reserved cooking water, a tablespoon at a time, until the sauce coats the pasta smoothly. Divide among four bowls and serve immediately.