Red Pesto Pasta
Cuisine: Pasta
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 5-6 servings
 
Ingredients
  • 1 lb. penne pasta
  • 2 tbsp. olive oil
  • 4-5 chicken sausage links, sliced*
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 orange bell pepper, diced
  • 1 zucchini, chopped
  • ½ tsp. salt
  • ¾ cup pesto
  • 24 oz. jar marinara sauce
  • 4 big handfuls of spinach
  • ½ cup milk, cream, or half-and-half
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese
  • Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  2. In the same pot, heat olive oil. Add the chicken sausage and cook until browned. You can also use ground turkey or ground beef.
  3. Add onion, garlic, bell pepper, and zucchini and cook until tender. Sprinkle with salt and stir to combine.
  4. Add the pesto and marinara sauce and bring to a simmer. Pour the milk, cream, or half-and-half into the empty pasta sauce jar, screw on the lid, and shake. Pour this mixture into the sauce as well.
  5. Return pasta to pot. Stir to combine. Add the spinach and stir until wilted. Serve topped with parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper.
  6. Enjoy!
Notes
*I love the flavor of chicken sausage in this dish, but you can also substitute 1 lb. of ground turkey or ground beef!
Recipe by For the Love of Gourmet at https://fortheloveofgourmet.com/red-pesto-pasta/