Fettucine with Sweet Pepper Cayenne Sauce

If you need a flavorful, yet fast meal on the table, consider giving this recipe a try. Simple fettucine noodles (you can use gluten-free fettucine, too) are tossed with a sweet and spicy cayenne pepper sauce, thickened by sour cream and punctuated with the salty bite of Parmesan cheese. If you cannot eat regular sour cream, look for vegan sour cream at a health food store or upscale gourmet store. You can also adjust how spicy the sauce is - just start with a quarter to half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper and add to taste. For a more substantial meal, toss in strips of cooked chicken and let heat through before serving. A good crusty bread and perhaps a small glass of wine round out a perfect meal.

Fettucine with Sweet Pepper Cayenne Sauce

12 oz. fettucine (can be gluten-free)

2 red bell peppers, julienned

3 cloves garlic, minced

¾ tsp. cayenne pepper

1 cup reduced fat or fat free sour cream

¾ cup fat free, reduced sodium chicken broth

¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

In a large pot of salted water, boil the fettucine according to the package directions.

In a sauté pan sprayed with nonstick cooking spray (or with 1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil), sauté the red bell pepper, garlic and cayenne pepper over medium heat until partially softened. Add the chicken broth and Parmesan cheese, stirring well to combine. Off the heat, add the sour cream and stir to completely blend. Reduce the heat to low and return the pan to the heat, cooking until the sauce has thickened just a bit - do NOT let the sauce boil; if you do, the sour cream will curdle and you will have to start all over again.

In a large warmed bowl, tip the pasta and sauce in and toss gently to combine. Season to taste with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately.

Serves 4