Q: Several times when I have eaten at the Brickery in Sandy Springs, I have had a delicious pasta dish, penne and sausage. I would love to make it at home. I would appreciate it if you could get this recipe for me.

-- Judy Syna, Atlanta

A: This recipe, often featured as a special at the Brickery, pairs sausage and a creamy tomato sauce. It adapts marvelously to a home kitchen and will be a welcome addition to your pasta repertoire.

-- Jeanne Besser, for the Journal-Constitution

MAIN DISH

Penne Pasta With Spicy Sausage,

Tomato and Cream Sauce

Makes 8 servings

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time: 25 minutes

1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil

1 1/2 pounds mild Italian sausage

1 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes, or to taste

3/4 cup diced onion

1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 (28-ounce) can plum tomatoes, drained and chopped

2 cups whipping cream

1 pound penne

In a large skillet, heat olive oil. Remove sausage from casing and crumble into skillet. Add red pepper flakes and stir to combine. SautŽ until sausage is cooked through, 7 to 10 minutes. Add onion and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes. Add flour and stir to absorb liquid. Add tomatoes and cream. Simmer until mixture thickens slightly, about 4 minutes.

Meanwhile, cook penne according to package instructions. Drain well and top with sauce.

Per serving: 764 calories (percent of calories from fat, 61), 22 grams protein, 52 grams carbohydrates, 3 grams fiber, 54 grams fat, 146 milligrams cholesterol, 653 milligrams sodium.

Is there a restaurant recipe you'd like to make at home? Tell us what you're looking for and perhaps we can get it. If we succeed, we'll have the recipe tested and adapted for the home kitchen, if necessary. Because of volume, we can't answer all inquiries. Send your request, along with address and phone number, to:

Mail: Food Department, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 72 Marietta St. N.W., Atlanta, GA 30303.

E-mail: menu@ajc.com. Fax: 404-526-5509.