Pasta and Chicken and Sausage Sauce

Pasta with Chicken and Sausage Sauce

Submitted by: MarNai Johnston

1/2 lb. hot Italian sausage                                       salt & pepper

1 1/2 tsp. oil                                                          1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken

1 onion                                                                  1/3 cup black olives

3 cloves garlic                                                        1/4 cup parsley, minced

1 1/2 (29-oz.) cans plum tomatoes                           1/4 tsp. red pepper, crushed

1 1/2 tsp. basil                                                       1/2 lb. dry pasta, such as ziti, rotini, etc.

1/2 tsp. thyme

Cut the sausage into slices. Put the oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Brown the sausage. Slice the onion, add to the pan and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Chop the garlic, add and cook 2 minutes. Drain the tomatoes, chop and stir in along with the basil, thyme and salt and pepper. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes. Cut the chicken, across the grain, making 1/2" strips. Pit and quarter the olives. Add chicken, olives, parsley and red pepper and simmer gently for 10 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Just before serving, boil the pasta and drain it. Serve pasta topped with the sauce.