CAMPANELLE PASTA WITH SAUSAGE AND BEANS

Active time: 30 min.
Start to finish: 1 1/2 hr.
Yield: Makes 4 main-course servings

Ingredients:

1 head of garlic, left whole, plus 2 garlic cloves thinly sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 lb fresh sweet Italian sausage, casings discarded
1/2 cup thinly sliced shallot
1/8 teaspoon dried hot red pepper flakes
1 (14-oz) can diced tomatoes in juice, drained, OR 2 large fresh plum tomatoes, cut into 1/4 inch dice
1 (15 to 19 oz) can small white beans, drained and rinsed
2 cups chicken stock or broth
1 lb Campanelle (bell-shaped pasta), rotini (corkscrew pasta), or medium shells
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1/2 oz finely grated Pecorino Romano (1/4 cup)

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 400F

Cut off and discard top of garlic head to expose cloves, then wrap head in foil and roast in middle of oven until cloves are tender, about 45 minutes. Open foil carefully and cool to warm. Squeeze garlic from skins into a small bowl, then mash to a paste with a fork.

Heat oil in a 12-inch, heavy skillet over moderate heat until hot but not smoking, then cook sausage, stirring and breaking up large pieces, until browned, about 4 minutes. Add sliced garlic, shallot, and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring occasionally, until shallot is pale golden, about 2 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, beans, garlic paste, and stock and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened and reduced by half, 15 to 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, cook pasta in 6 to 8 quart pot of boiling, salted water until al dente, then drain in a colander. Toss pasta with sausage mixture, parsley, basil, cheese and salt to taste in a large bowl (or in a pasta pot) until combined well.

Serve with additional cheese, if desired.