back on track

ahhhhhhhh, it's been a whirlwind recently in my house...  a lot has been happening.  i started a new part-time job which has rearranged my schedule quite a lot, among many other things.  but now it's time to get back to the grind in many ways - and one is healthy eating.  i've done a little too much fast fooding in the last couple of weeks between stress and convenience so here's step one in getting back on track to my normal healthy lifestyle.  my sister introduced me to chicken sausage a couple of years ago - i had no idea such a thing existed.  this dinner is something i CRAVE because the chicken sausage is such a nice compliment to fresh vegetables.  i can't wait to eat it tonight!

 
















chicken sausage pasta salad

1 box (1 lb dry) penne pasta
1 package (1 lb) sweet italian style chicken sausage, sliced
1 green pepper, sliced into small strips
1 red pepper, sliced into small strips
1 yellow pepper, sliced into small strips
1 zucchini, halved then sliced
1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 small to medium red pepper, finely diced
1 tsp garlic powder (or 2 fresh cloves, minced)
salt & pepper
optional - small yellow onion, diced
optional - marcona almonds

1. cook and drain the pasta according to box directions.
2. in a large skillet, warm the chicken sausage on medium-low if it is pre-cooked.  otherwise cook the sausage on medium til slightly golden.
3. in a dutch oven, steam the peppers, zucchini, and grape tomatoes.  i steam them separately and only a few minutes each to keep their crispness. once they get oversteamed they become soggy and hard to work with.
4. combine the pasta, sausage and vegetables in a large bowl.  if desired, add a small yellow onion at this point.
5. begin making the dressing in a small bowl using the olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper.  mix well.  add the red onion to the dressing and continue to mix.  pour over large bowl contents and toss.  if desired, toss in some marcona almonds as well.

makes about 8 servings.  enjoy! =)

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download a printable copy of this recipe at...
http://www.oncupcakemoon.com/recipes/chickensausagepastasalad.pdf