By food contributor Brittany
As school is back in session and the holidays are nearly approaching, the last thing you want to think about is what you’re going to make for dinner. Time is precious and I would rather spend my time eating a delicious dish than slaving away in the kitchen all night! Here is one of the best go-to dinner ideas that practically makes itself in 25 minutes or less. The best part is children always love pasta and it heats up even better for lunch the next day. It’s hearty, full of flavor, and can easily be made vegetarian. Click through for the recipe.
Bow Tie Pasta with Sausage & Sweet Peppers
1 (12oz.) Pkg. bow tie pasta
2 tbsp. olive oil
1 pound sweet Italian sausage
1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
1/2 c. diced onion
1/2 diced red bell pepper
1/4 c. sun dried tomatoes (optional)
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 (28oz.) can Italian-style plum tomatoes, drained and coarsely chopped
1 1/2 c. heavy cream
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley (or 1 tsp. dried parsley if you don’t have fresh)
Parmesan cheese for garnish
Directions:
1. Bring large pot of water to a boil and add bow tie pasta. Cook for 9 min. or until al dente; drain.
2. Heat oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Cook whole sausage and pepper flakes until sausage is evenly browned. Remove from pan and slice sausage.
3. In that same skillet drizzle olive oil, turn to medium heat and add in onions, red bell peppers, and sun-dried tomatoes. If you’re using dried herbs, add them in now to develop the flavor. Once tender add in garlic and saute until golden. Stir in tomatoes, cream, salt and garlic powder. Simmer until mixture thickens, 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Make sure to keep an eye on the cream so that it doesn’t curdle!
4. Stir in cooked pasta into sauce and heat through. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and parmesan
