Penne and Smoked Sausage

This recipe appeared in a flyer we received from the realtor we used 18 years ago when we bought our house. It was a pretty easy fix on a weeknight that was quite tasty.  The red pepper flakes gives this a kick.  And the pasta and sausage is a kid pleaser. Need a quick and filling recipe?  Then give this a try.  

Ingredients

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 lb smoked sausage (pork or turkey sausage), sliced into 1 inch pieces

½ cup diced onion (about 1 medium onion)

1Tbsp. minced garlic

2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes

½ cup  milk

8 oz  dry penne pasta

½ tsp salt

½ tsp pepper

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

2 cups pepper jack cheese, shredded

½ cup thinly sliced green onions

Directions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium  heat until just smoking. Brown sausage & onions.  Add garlic, salt, pepper and continue cooking for 30 seconds. 

Add broth, tomatoes, milk, red pepper and penne to the skillet. Bring to a boil, cover & reduce heat to low. Simmer until pasta is tender & liquid is absorbed, about 15 minutes.

Remove skillet from heat and sprinkle on cheese. Cover  for 3 to 5 minutes until cheese melts.  Top with scallions and serve.