My boss gave me some home grown zucchini and my coworker gave me her mom’s Eat Ah Nonna marinara sauce and I wanted to try something different with it, rather than making pasta with marinara sauce. Because I LOVE LOVE LOVE creamy tomato sauce on my pasta, I decided to make a pink sauce with it. I also made sure to measure the ingredients so I can share this recipe with you guys. This recipe is a one pot meal and super quick to make. It will definitely woo your guests!

If you’re interested in purchasing the Eat Ah Nonna’s marinara sauce, you can find it at:

http://www.eatahnonna.com/

Ingredients:

• 1 16 oz box of penne pasta
• Olive oil
• 1 cup chopped shallots
• 1 1/2 tbs minced garlic (less if you’re not a fan of garlic)
• 2 Italian sausage links sliced
• 2 pinches of red chili pepper flakes (more or less depending on spice preference)
• 1 cup of diced zucchini
• 1 cup sliced baby bella mushrooms
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1  24 oz jar of store bought marinara sauce. You can always click here for my marinara recipe if you are not a fan of store bought brands – 3 cups.
• 3/4 cups of heavy cream
• Optional: Pinch of sugar if the marinara sauce is too tart
• Salt and Pepper
• 1 tbsp chopped basil
• Parmesan
• Pecorino Romano

Instructions:

1.  Cook pasta according to package instructions and drain.
2. In the same pot saute shallots until softened.
3. Add the garlic and saute until fragrant.
4. Add Italian sausage and cook until warmed through.
5. Add zucchini and baby bella mushrooms until soften. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Set ingredients to the side of the pot and “toast” tomato paste on the pan before mixing with ingredients.
7. Add marinara sauce and taste to adjust seasonings. Add salt, pepper, or sugar if needed. Bring to boil and then a low simmer for 30 minutes covered.
8. Add chopped basil.
9. Turn off heat, add noodles, mix in cheese.

Enjoy!