Orecchiette with Sausage, Peppers, and Feta

A few weeks ago Kim posted a recipe that looked like something we might like. Here is how it works: pasta (check), olives (check), feta (check), low-fat (check). Once I realized that the recipe had four things going for it I was bound and determined to get it into our menu 'rotation'.

This was part of Cooking Light's Pasta Presto recipes from 2003 - this is an annual collection of recipes that are ready and one the table really quickly - generally in less than 45 minutes. The speed makes it a perfect thing to make after a long, draining day at the office. - basically everything is ready shortly after the pasta is cooked.

We both really enjoyed it - both for its ease and for the taste. I used hot turkey sausage so it had a nice heat to it. If you used sweet turkey sausage you might want to add some red pepper flakes. All-in-all a great meal - thanks so much Kim for posting the recipe in the first place and giving me inspiration!

Orecchiette with Sausage, Peppers, and Feta

8 ounces uncooked orecchiette
1 teaspoon olive oil
3 cups (1/4-inch-thick) slices red bell pepper, each cut in half crosswise
1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
8 ounces turkey Italian sausage, I used hot
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 garlic clove, minced
3/4 cup (3 ounces) crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup sliced pitted kalamata olives
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Cook the orecchiette according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain the pasta in a colander over a bowl, reserving 1/2 cup cooking liquid.

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bell pepper and 1/4 teaspoon salt; sauté 2 minutes. Remove casings from the sausage. Add sausage, oregano, and garlic to pan; cook 4 minutes or until sausage is done, stirring to crumble sausage. Add pasta, reserved cooking liquid, 1/4 teaspoon salt, cheese, olives, and black pepper; cook for 2 minutes or until thoroughly heated, stirring frequently.

Yield: 4 servings (serving size: 1 1/2 cups)

CALORIES 393 (29% from fat); FAT 12.8g (sat 5.3g,mono 4.6g,poly 2g); IRON 3.4mg; CHOLESTEROL 67mg; CALCIUM 137mg; CARBOHYDRATE 48.6g; SODIUM 947mg; PROTEIN 21.6g; FIBER 3.6g

Comments

[Joyce]

Oh my but I have to try this for sure. Looks wonderful.
Joyce

[Kayte]

This is definitely going on my list to try. I should just abandon all my cookbooks and just cook from your site...LOL. I steal almost all the recipes. Thank you very much, Jerry, for the birthday wishes on my blog...it made me smile! Very fun to get birthday greetings from new friends!

[Jerry]

Let me know what you think Joyce!

You're welcome Kayte - I hope that it was a great one.