Penne with Sausage

Mascarpone is a creamy, mild Italian cheese. If it is unavailable or too pricey, use a mixture of 6 tablespoons cream cheese and 5 tablespoons whipping cream and achieve the same rich results in this Penne with Sausage.

Ingredients

12 oz hot Italian sausage, casings removed

12 oz mild Italian sausage, casings removed

1 large onion, chopped

1 1/4 cup whipping cream

3/4 cup chicken broth

2 cup frozen green peas

2/3 cup mascarpone cheese

16 oz penne pasta

3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

Directions

1. Cook sausages in a large saucepan over medium-high heat until browned and crumbly, about 10 minutes. Place sausages in a bowl. Drain pan, reserving 1 tablespoon drippings in pan.

2. Add onion to saucepan. Cook until golden, about 5 minutes. Add cream. Simmer until slightly reduced, about 5 minutes. Add broth. Simmer until thickened, about 10 minutes.

3. Return sausage to saucepan. Bring to a simmer. Add peas and mascarpone. Cook, uncovered, until peas are tender, about 5 minutes.

4. Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions. Drain. Combine pasta and sauce in a large serving bowl. Add Parmesan, salt and pepper. Stir to blend. Serve immediately.