This did come from a recipe somewhere on line, but I changed it so much that it doesn't really matter now. This isn't the healthiest meal, but it's not too terrible either, and it is VERY fast and a true comfort food. We didn't have any fire-roasted diced tomatoes (called for by the original recipe) so I used regular tomatoes + a dash of liquid smoke that we happened to have in our cupboard.
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 cloves of garlic, minced (I forgot this and added garlic powder later on and it was fine)
1/2 to 1 lb bulk sausage (I used sage sausage)
1 14-oz can diced tomatoes (fire-roasted or otherwise)
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 t or so liquid smoke (optional...see note :-)
8-ish oz. whole wheat penne (or whatever small chunky pasta you have)
6 oz. cream cheese, cubed
In a large skillet, brown the sausage with the onion over medium heat, breaking up the meat as you go. When the sausage is brown and the onions are clear, add garlic and stir until fragrant (15 seconds). Drain onion/sausage mixture in a strainer over a bowl to remove excess fat.
Add tomatoes, broth, and liquid smoke to empty skillet and bring to a boil. Add pasta and onion/sausage mixture and allow to simmer on medium heat for 12 minutes or until pasta is tender. Scatter cream cheese cubes thorough the mixture. Wait 30 seconds or so for the cream cheese to soften, then stir to incorporate.
This made enough for our family of 2 adults/3 little kids + leftovers.
