Pasta With Hearty Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 medium onion
• 1 garlic clove
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lb Italian sausage (spicy or sweet)
• 3 tablespoons chicken stock
• 1 (19 ounce) can chopped tomatoes
• salt and black pepper
• 1 lb dry penne pasta
• 5 ounces frozen peas
• fresh chives (optional)
• parmesan cheese

Directions

1. 1

   Bring a large saucepan of water to the boil for the pasta. Peel and coarsely chop the onion and peel and crush the garlic. Fry them in the oil over a moderate heat for about 4 minutes, until the onion is soft, stirring occasionally.

2. 2

   Coarsely chop the sausages, or remove their skins and break them up with a fork. Add the sausages to the pan and stir over a high heat for 7 minutes, or until browned.

3. 3

   Add the brandy, wine, or stock, and the tomatoes, and season to taste. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. 4

   When the water comes to a boil, add the pasta and some salt and cook for 6-7 minutes then add peas, bring back to a boil and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.

5. 5

   Meanwhile, trim, rinse, and snip or chop the chives.

6. 6

   Drain the pasta and peas and toss them in the tomato sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning, garnish with the chives, and serve with grated parmesan.