Pappardelle with Hot Sausage Sauce

Ingredients

  • 6 hot or sweet Italian sausages
  • 1/4 cup best-quality olive oil
  • 3/4 cup chopped onion
  • 1 1/2 cups dry white wine
  • 2 cans (28 ounces each) imported San Marzano Italian plum tomatoes, hand crushed
  • Salt, to taste
  • 6 fresh basil leaves, torn
  • 1 pinch dried oregano
  • freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 pound pappardelle pasta
  • 2 tablespoons freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese, plus more to taste, if desired

Preparation

Step 1

Directions

1.
Remove casings from sausages, break meat up into chunks, and set aside.

2.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, and cook until just translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in the reserved sausage meat, and cook until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Drain off excess fat

3.
Add wine, and stir to combine. Raise heat, and bring to a boil. Boil until liquid has reduced slightly, about 3 minutes.

4.
Add tomatoes and salt. Return to a boil, then lower heat and simmer, uncovered, until sauce has thickened slightly, about 20 minutes. Stir in basil, oregano, and pepper; add additional salt and pepper.

5.
While sauce is simmering, cook the pappardelle in a large, deep pot of rapidly boiling salted water until al dente (check package for exact cooking time). Drain.

6.
Return drained pappardelle to the pot, and place over medium-high heat. Using a wooden spoon, stir in 1/2 cup of sausage sauce, and toss together for 1 minute. Remove from heat, and pour into a large serving platter or bowl. Spoon remaining sauce over the top. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of Pecorino Romano cheese. Top with additional cheese, if desired, and serve.