This pasta is probably the best pasta I have ever had. My Dad created it a few years ago after trying something like it at an Italian restaurant he went to. It took a few trial and errors but then he perfected it. When I say it’s delicious I’m not doing it justice. Every big holiday the family requests it and even though he wants to try something new, he always gives in because we all love it so much. Also, it’s always funny to see the traditional turkey on Thanksgiving beside a huge tray of the pasta…can you tell we’re Italian?

Recipe for Creamy Tomato Sauce with Sausage

-In a frying pan fry 8 mild Italian sausages (my Dad prefers sausages from an Italian deli called Nicastros so you’ll have to find the best sausage in your area) until they are fairly firm and they can be sliced. Take them out and slice them to the thickness you desire. Put them back in the frying pan until they are fully cooked. Drain them and put them aside.

-Take 4 cans of Italian plum tomatoes (NOT the type that are cubed, spiced or already crushed). Put them in the blender until there are no bits or small pieces.

-Put the tomatoes in a large pot and add salt, two teaspoons of sugar, some crushed chili peppers, an ounce of red wine, and very little basil and parsley.

-Bring to a slow boil and add the sausages, three tablespoons of tomato paste and one cup of olive oil (don’t panic, the oil gives the sauce a lot of flavour and texture). Mix well and IMMEDIATELY lower the heat and let the sauce simmer for about two hours. Mix once in awhile to make sure it doesn’t stick.

-In another pot cook 2 boxes of DiCecco Rigatoni in salted water. Do not overcook. If you can’t find DeCecco, use another imported pasta from Italy. The pasta is firmer.

-While the pasta is cooking, raise the heat of the sauce a little bit, put a pint of 35% whipping cream in the sauce and stir until it is totally mixed in. You can use less cream if you find it too rich but remember this isn’t diet food.

-Drain the pasta, and toss it in butter and parmigiana cheese. Then put as much sauce as you like on the pasta and enjoy.

-This makes lots but everyone likes it reheated or you can freeze the sauce.