Pasta with Sausage, Red Potatoes and Green Beans (Serious Comfort Food )

My mother in law surprised us a while back with some Catullo meats from Ohio.  We were spoiled rotten! :)  I still had a few links of their garlic basil pork sausage in my freezer and knew that I had to use them soon.  So, this dish was absolutely perfect for it.  Even if you do not have Catullo sausage, or even the garlic basil combination, you can still make this dish.  Just substitute with your favorite sausage.  This dish is serious comfort food.  It's super filling, insanely delicious and it will leave you very happy. :)  It's also quite quick to put together.  Enjoy!

Ingredients:

-8 oz uncooked pasta (rotini, penne, small shells, any kind you like)

-4 small red potatoes, washed well and quartered

-12 oz garlic basil sausage or your favorite sausage, casings removed

-1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

-1/2 small onion, finely diced

-2 garlic cloves, minced

-1 cup chicken broth

-1 Tbs extra virgin olive oil

-1 Tbs butter/margarine

-2 cups frozen green beans

-1 tsp dried parsley leaves

-salt and pepper, to taste

-1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

Cook pasta, drain and set aside.  Cover to make sure it stays moist and doesn't clump.

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.  Add the potatoes and cook until fork tender.  When the potatoes are almost ready, add the green beans and boil together for 3-4 minutes.  Drain and set aside.

Brown the sausage in large pan.  Sprinkle the pepper flakes and break down the meat.  Add the onion and garlic.  Cook for about 3 minutes.  Add the broth and simmer for another 3 minutes.  Stir in the oil and butter.  Once butter is melted add the cooked pasta, potatoes and green beans.  Add the parsley and season with salt and pepper.  

Lower the heat and sprinkle the cheese on top.  Without stirring, cover the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted.  Scoop onto plates and enjoy!  

Adapted from a Food Nanny recipe.