Spicy Pasta with Chicken Sausage

Last night I was listening to Songza while experimenting in the kitchen. Have you heard of Songza? It’s basically a cooler version of Pandora, in my opinion. Anyway, I was listening to it and the song “Move Along” by the All American Rejects came on and I couldn’t help but think of “She’s the Man”, which automatically put me in a good mood. Ahhh the good ole Amanda Bynes..

Ok now to the real point of this post.

Have you ever been to Buca Di Beppo? If not, let me tell you a bit about it. It’s an Italian restaurant that serves family-style portions so you’re able to order multiple dishes and share amongst the group you are with. One of my favorite items off the menu is called “Shrimp Fra Diavolo”, which is a pasta dish with spicy sauce and shrimp.

Over the weekend I was browsing through my Pinterest boards, because sometimes it’s nice to actually do the things I pin instead of just pinning and never looking back. ….sometimes. I found the recipe for the “Shrimp Fra Diavolo” and decided to give it a try, with a few healthy modifications. I mentioned in Sunday’s post that I was going to share the recipe, so here it is!

Recipe adapted from tastebook.com 

Ingredients:

2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tbsp red pepper flakes (can use more/less depending on how spicy you want it to be)
1/8 tsp salt
1 tbsp chopped garlic
1 cup spicy chicken sausage, sliced (could also sub chicken or shrimp)
3/4 cup Marinara sauce
1/2 cup Light Alfredo sauce (I used Classico Creamy Light Alfredo)
1 tsp light butter
1/2 cup peas
2 cups whole grain pasta 

Directions:

1. Pour oil into a large frying pan and heat over medium heat
2. Add red pepper flakes, salt, garlic, and pepper to taste and sauté. Add the chicken sausage so it is able to absorb the spices.
3. Add Marinara sauce and the Light Alfredo sauce and bring to a simmer in the pan. Cook sauce until it thickens slightly. (I recommend placing a lid overtop the pan or else the sauce will splatter everywhere, like mine did). 

4. Turn off flame and add peas and butter. Mix everything together.
5. Combine this mixture with the cooked pasta.

6. Enjoy!

This stuff tasted almost identical to the Buca recipe–I was very impressed. It can range from super spicy to not spicy at all depending on the amount of red pepper flakes you decide to include.

I hope you enjoy your Thursday and remember….it’s almost Friday!

Q: What’s your favorite pasta dish? Have you ever been to Buca Di Beppo?

I also wanted to mention that I am going to the doctor today to get my back looked at. I’ve had back problems for awhile now but it seems to be getting worse instead of better, despite my consistent chiropractor appointments, so wish me luck with that!