Ingredients

• 6 ounces sweet or hot Italian sausage, casing removed
• 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 red bell peppers, sliced
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds,crushed
• 1 16-ounce j marinara sauce
• Salt & freshly ground pepper, to taste
• 1 pound whole-wheat penne, or ziti
• 6 tablespoon freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

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Cooking Directions

Step 1

Put a large pot of salted water on to boil.

Step 2

Brown sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up into small pieces, until no pink remains, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels; wipe out the pan.

Step 3

Heat oil in the pan over medium heat. Add bell peppers and onion and cook, stirring often, until softened, 5 to 8 minutes. Add garlic and fennel seeds and cook for 1 minute more. Add marinara sauce and the cooked sausage. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 4

Meanwhile, cook penne (or ziti) in boiling water until just tender, 8 to 10 minutes or according to package directions. Drain and place in a large warm bowl. Add the sauce and toss to coat. Serve immediately, sprinkled with Parmesan and parsley.