Meatless Monday:Spicy Cayenne Pasta

     This week for Meatless Monday, I had absolutely no idea what to make.  I had a plan for a BBQ bean chili but then wasn't feelin' it when dinner time rolled around.  So I completely switched gears and prepared this spicy delicious pasta.  I got the inspiration from a recipe I saw on Pinterest but I didn't have several of the "called for" ingredients.  This is a chef's dream!  I took the idea and made it work as I went.  And it came out beautifully!!!!  This is fiance approved and will definitely be making future appearances on my menu.  Since it is Meatless Monday, this pasta only has veggies and a creamy cayenne sauce, but for other days of the week, feel free to throw in a protein.  I'm thinkin' diced chicken or shrimp would be amazing!  Enjoy!

Spicy Cayenne Pasta
Ingredients:
1/4 cup of half and half
Tablespoon of AP flour
1 cup total of diced bell pepper (any color) and sweet onion
Half of a large diced tomato
1/2 box of thin spaghetti (or any type of pasta)
1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
Tablespoon of canola oil
Tablespoon of minced garlic
1/2 cup of chicken stock (or veggie stock if you want a pure meatless meal)
3/4 tablespoon of cayenne pepper

Direction:
Start boiling water to cook pasta.  Make sure to add plenty of salt before dropping your noodles.  Give it a good stir so that they don't lump together.  Don't drain the pasta water.  You can use this starchy goodness to help thicken and bring together the sauce.

In a large skillet, heat oil and add cayenne pepper, onions, and bell peppers.  Let these cook until soft, about 5 minutes.  You can add a tiny pinch of salt to help them move along.  Add the garlic and let cook until fragrant, just a couple of minutes.  Add flour and brown for a few seconds.

Add chicken stock and half and half.  Bring the mix to a simmer and stir constantly for 1 minute. Add the Parmesan cheese and continue stirring.  It should start thickening up. Once your sauce is creamy, add the cooked pasta.  If you need to loosen the sauce, add a little of the pasta cooking liquid.

Serve warm and with a garnish of parsley and more Parmesan.