Sweet Pepper and Spicy Sausage Pasta

Really the title of this post should be, "Sweet Pepper and (Fill in Your Choice of Protein Here) Pasta."  It is awesome with a sweet & spicy chicken sausage, but pairs perfectly with chicken, shrimp, and I'm sure tofu, as well - so be creative with this dish and feel free to put your own spin on these noodles!

What you'll need (Serves 4):

• 12 ounces 100% Whole Wheat Thin Spaghetti
• 2 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 2 (6 ounce) links of Sweet & Spicy Chicken Sausage (or 12 large shrimp, 2 chicken breasts, etc.)
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 5 medium bell peppers (red, yellow, and orange) thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
• Salt & Pepper to taste

Heat one tablespoon of the olive oil in a skillet and place the sausage links (or you choice meat) in the pan (make sure this is a large pan - you will be using it to saute all of the peppers later).  Brown on both sides (about 6-8 minutes) and transfer the cooked sausage to a plate lined with paper towel (to soak up the grease).  Wipe the remaining grease out of the skillet and add another tablespoon of oil to the pan.  Add the garlic and saute for about 30 seconds.  Add all of the peppers and after about a minute add the red pepper flakes.  Let the peppers begin to soften (~5 minutes) and then cover the pan and cook for about 15 minutes.  Season with salt & pepper to taste and add the fresh basil leaves.  Meanwhile, cook the pasta, drain, and mix together with the pepper mixture.  Serve and devour this deliciousness!


*Recipe shared from Dana Jacobi's The Essential Best Foods Cookbook


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