Pasta Perfection

If you've been reading this blog for any length of time, you probably know that I'm a sucker for pasta.  I have over 30 pasta recipes on this little blog {not mine of course.  I'm not a chef...I just know how to follow recipes :)}    Pasta is, by far, my most favorite thing to eat.  I could absolutely eat it every single day.  I really do try to refrain.  My jeans pretty much beg me to take it easy on the carbs :) This dish would've been perfect without the addition of said carb, but I'm pretty sure it adds to the overall delightfulness of this meal, so don't leave it out.

Pasta can be really heavy depending on how you prepare it.  This, however, is anything but filling.  It's light and robust all at the same time.  No heavy sauces.  No crazy ingredients.  If you ask me, it's perfection in a bowl.  

SPICY SAUSAGE AND PEPPER PASTA

via Two Peas and Their Pod

12 oz. Penne Pasta {I used Penne Plus, Market Pantry}

2 TBSP. Olive Oil

2 cloves garlic, minced {I used 1 Tbsp. pre minced garlic}

1/2 red onion, sliced

1/2 red bell pepper, sliced

1/2 yellow bell pepper, sliced

1/2 orange bell pepper, sliced

 1 pkg. Smoked Turkey Sausage, cut into 1/2 inch slices

Crushed red pepper, to taste

Grape tomatoes, halved {to taste}

1/3 cup chopped fresh basil {more or less depending on your preference}

Shredded parmesan cheese, to taste

Salt & pepper, to taste

This little dish takes no time to prep and cook.  You'll spend most of your time...a whopping 5 minutes...slicing the veggies, herbs, and sausage.  

Go ahead and start cooking your pasta according to package directions.  Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet and the sausage, onion, veggies, and garlic.  Toss in some crushed red pepper while you're at it.  I added quite a bit because we love a little kick in our food.  Add as much...or as little...as you want.  Saute for about 5 minutes or until the veggies & onion soften up.   

Remove the sausage, onion, & peppers from the heat and set aside.  Drain pasta and return it to the pot.  Now toss in the onion/pepper/sausage mix.  And don't forget to add the tomatoes and basil, too.  Mr. Spouse isn't a huge fan of tomatoes so I didn't add too many of those. Toss ingredients until well mixed.  

Now serve yourself a generous helping and top it off with shredded parmesan cheese.  It's okay to be liberal with your serving of cheese...trust me ;)

From start to finish, this dish took me about 25-30 minutes to get on the table.  I know I live my life in exclamation points and I'm a bit dramatic about everything, but seriously...this is AMAZING!!!!!  And if amazing doesn't quite explain it, let me give you a few synonyms that will....

Awesome.  Incredible.  Wonderful.  Marvelous.  Delectable.  Savory.  Scrumptious.  Palatable.

{Insert your adjective here.}

If you're looking for a quick weeknight meal that's easy to prep and takes no time to get on the table and in your mouth, look no further.  Absolute PERFECTION.

When I make a recipe for the very first time, I follow it to a T.  I don't like to veer away from it because, like I said before, I'm not a cook.  After I have it for the first time, I'll figure out what needs to be added/omitted and then eventually make it again with those changes.  When I make this again...which will be VERY soon...I'll use the WHOLE pepper and more red onion because I love a pasta brimming with loads of veggies.  A definite keeper!!!!