Ingredients

Pesto
1-28 oz can of fire-roasted red bell pepper strips, drained
4 garlic cloves
¼ cup fresh basil
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
¼ cup grated Parmesan chees
Salt and pepper to taste

Pasta
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large shallot, minced
4 spicy Italian sausage links, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 medium zucchini, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 lb or 500 gr. Pacheri pasta {pasta rings}
Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

 

Directions

Place the pesto ingredients in a food processor. Pulse until a smooth sauce forms. Pour into a bowl and fold in the ricotta cheese.

Cook the pasta in boiling salted water until al dente according to ing to the package instructions.
While the pasta is cooking heat the oil in a large skillet and brown the sausage pieces. Add the shallots and zucchini and cook until the zucchini is tender and the sausage is cooked.

With a large spider, scoop the pasta rings out of the cooking water and place them directly into the skillet. Mix well. Then add the creamy pesto and heat gently until hot. Serve in pasta bowls with grated cheese for a garnish.