Sausage Primavera

My sister-in-law, Laurel, brought this delicious dish over when Creed was born. We enjoyed it so much and she was so sweet to share her recipe! It has also turned into a meal that I love to prepare on Christmas Eve with the pretty red and green peppers. It is quick and comforting and just what we always need to start the holiday off right!

8 ounces thin spaghetti
1 T. olive oil
1 green bell pepper, seeded and thinly sliced
1 red bell pepper, seeded and thinly sliced
1/2 red onion, chopped
1 1/2 pounds smoked sausage, sliced (I love Hillshire Farms Polska Kielbasa for this.)
1 T. parsley flakes
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. garlic powder or 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
Dash of cayenne pepper
4 to 5 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated
Garnish: fresh basil

Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions. Drain and keep warm.

Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the peppers, onions, and garlic, if using fresh. Stir-fry until vegetables are crisp tender. Add the smoked sausage and heat a few minutes longer. When vegetables are cooked as you like, add the parsley and other seasonings and continue to cook just a bit longer. After the mixture is combined well, toss with the spaghetti. Pour into a large bowl and add the Parmesan cheese tossing to coat.

I enjoy this with a chiffonade (a french slicing technique of stacking the leaves, rolling them up, and then slicing thinly) of fresh basil as a garnish too! Delicious! And fancy too, huh?