Mother Nature sure seems to have a huge sense of humor . . .  just when we felt Spring had sprung with beautiful sunny days almost to 80,  she plunges us in another cold blanket of ice!  It’s another snow day in Texas- turn on the fireplace and pop in a movie!

It’s always good to have a few really good meals that take less than 30 minutes to fix in your recipe box.  A good friend shared this Spicy Pasta and Sausage Skillet with me a few weeks ago- it is one you definitely want to add to your collection for a fast and yummy dinner in no time.

Just start with sauteed sausage, peppers, and onions.  I used turkey sausage which we love at our house- but chorizo sausage will turn up the heat if you like.

Now just add chicken broth and garlic for lots of flavor, Ro-Tel tomatoes for a little kick, and just a 1/2 cup of cream for richness.  You’re going to cook the pasta right in the same pan.

Once the pasta is cooked your going to add cheese for ooey-gooey, creamy goodness the whole family will love.

Spicy Pasty and Sausage Skillet

Ingredients

1 pound turkey sausage, sliced (chorizo sausage for more heat)
1 onion, chopped
1 small red bell pepper, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 (10-ounce) can Ro-Tel tomatoes
1/2 cup heavy cream
12 ounces penne pasta
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 cups  pepper Jack cheese
4 scallions, sliced thin for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Cook sausage, onion, and peppers in large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until lightly browned, about 8 minutes.  Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Stir in broth, tomatoes, cream, pasta,  salt, and  pepper and bring to boil.  Cover pan and reduce heat to medium-low.  Simmer, stirring frequently, until pasta is tender, about 15 minutes.

Heat oven broiler.  Remove the pasta and sausage from heat and stir in 1/2 cup cheese.  Top with remaining cheese and broil until cheese is melted and spotty brown, about 3 minutes. Sprinkle with scallions if desired. Serve hot.

Note:  For a lot of heat use chorizo sausage and the spicy Ro-Tel along with pepper Jack cheese and a little hot sauce.  if you kids don’t like things spicy, use the turkey sausage, replace the Ro-Tel tomatoes with regular diced tomatoes and add mozzarella for the pepper Jack Cheese.  Find the blend of flavors and fits your family best.

Recipe adapted from American’s Test Kitchen,  The Best Simple Recipes