How I created this spicy pasta recipe was through some improvisation. The recipe I was trying to replicate called for chili pepper flakes a seasoning I don’t have. So I improvised with chili powder and red pepper flakes. My thought process was that I had the chili part – check, and I had the pepper flake part – check!
I proceeded to take the original spice portions and half it between my two spices and stir into the pot. Oh boy, was that dish a surprise. It was spicy, but I finished my whole bowl! I think that first time was my upper limit of spicy heat acceptance.
The next day my husband packed a spicy noodle dish for lunch and when he came home he had a few additional notes for the next time we make it. Let’s just say microwaving chili powder and oil for a leftover really kicks up the heat to whole new level, a level even he wasn’t quite comfortable with.
The updated recipe now is about half of the original spice quantity or we go by taste as we mix it all together. Being me I also added garlic and sausage.
Spicy Pasta with Sausage
1/3 box of Fettucine Pasta
7 oz Smoked Sausage Links
2 Tbsp Olive Oil
2 Garlic Cloves
1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
1/4 tsp Chili Powder
1. Boil water and cook pasta per box directions.
2. While pasta is cooking slice up sausage links and cook over medium heat in a skillet.
3. When pasta is cooked, drain, and mix in oil, garlic, and seasoning.
4. Once all mixed together add in sausage.
This main dish goes wonderfully with:
Pesto Pecan Quinoa
This side dish is packed with things I love, basil, pesto, and cheese. Do I need to say more? I could eat this alone for lunch it so good and full of protein and fiber to boot!
Roasted Butternut Squash
I’m not reinventing the wheel on this classic. It’s a simple dice, season, and into the oven to roast recipe. The squash mixes well with the pasta making a buttery and spicy flavor.
Sweetly,
Gwenlynn
