Careme

Ingredients

• Simple Truth® Italian Chicken Sausage Links 12 OZ 12 oz $6.99
• Kroger® Tri-Color Bell Peppers 1/2 package or about 3 peppers, sliced $4.99
• Jumbo Yellow Onions 1 medium, sliced $1.49
• Garlic 3 cloves, minced $1.50
• Kroger® Fresh Grape Tomatoes 1 cup, halved $3.99
• Pantry item: penne or rigatoni 8 oz
• Pantry item: heavy cream 3/4 cup
• Pantry item: cream cheese 2 oz
• Pantry item: parmesan or pecorino 3/4 cup grated
• Pantry item: olive oil 1 tablespoon
• Pantry item: red pepper flakes 1/2 teaspoon
• Pantry item: smoked paprika 1 teaspoon
• Pantry item: salt to taste
• Pantry item: black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook 8 oz penne or rigatoni in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
2. Slice 12 oz chicken sausage into coins. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the sausage well, about 5 minutes.
3. Add 1 sliced onion and the sliced bell peppers. Cook 6 to 8 minutes until softened and a little charred at the edges.
4. Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Stir 30 seconds.
5. Add 1 cup halved grape tomatoes and cook until they slump slightly, about 2 minutes.
6. Lower the heat to medium. Stir in 3/4 cup heavy cream and 2 oz cream cheese until smooth. Add 3/4 cup grated cheese and a splash of pasta water to create a thick, clingy sauce.
7. Toss in the pasta and coat thoroughly. Season with salt and black pepper.
8. Serve hot with extra cheese on top and, if you like, a drizzle of olive oil for an even richer finish.