Spicy Three-Pepper Pasta

Prepare pasta according to package directions, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.

Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet. Add the chicken sausage to the pan and cook until lightly browned, about 4 minutes on each side. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Heat the remaining olive oil. Add the shallot, garlic, and salt to the pan, stir, and sauté until softened and fragrant. Add the bell peppers and broccoli, along with the cayenne, crushed red pepper, black pepper, and paprika. Cook for 8-9 minutes until the red pepper and broccoli are tender. Add the sausage back in, along with the cream and the 1/2 cup pasta cooking water and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes.

Remove from heat, stir in the pasta and parmesan cheese, and serve.

Notes:
To make this as a side dish, simply omit the chicken sausage.
If you don’t have any broccoli, substitute fresh green beans, asparagus or Brussels sprouts.