A recipe so easy I can make it

I don't keep it a secret that Paul is the cook in our house.  That is just one talent that I was not blessed with.  He rarely uses a recipe and just knows how to throw things together.  Since I am not very good at cooking, it is not something that I care to do too often.  So, I am very happy that Paul is good at it and enjoys it.  Occasionally I will get the urge to try a recipe I found.  I was searching on Pinterest and found this recipe for Pesto Pasta with Chicken Sausage and Roasted Brussels Sprouts.  It immediately caught my eye and sounded like something the whole family would like.  There weren't too many ingredients involved, and I felt certain I could handle this one.  I can say it turned out really well, and even better, the kids gobbled it up!

Recipe is as follows:

Pesto Pasta with Chicken Sausage and Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Ingredients:
-1 lb fresh brussel sprouts, ends trimmed and cut in half
-3 Tbsp. olive oil
-1/2 tsp salt
-1/2 tsp ground pepper
-1 lb penne pasta (this is what I used, but you can use whatever)
-4 chicken sausage links (I used apple chicken sausage, because I didn't want anything spicy that the kids wouldn't like)
-5 cloves garlic (didn't have fresh garlic, so had to use minced garlic)
-1/3 cup pesto
-parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  In a large bowl mix together brussels sprouts, olive oil, salt and pepper.

Prepare a baking sheet with aluminum foil, then spread the brussel sprouts on it evenly. Roast for about 20-30 minutes, stirring once partway through or until they are crispy on the outside and cooked on the inside.

Ingredients

my helpers

Meanwhile, heat some olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, turning occasionally , until nearly browned, about 6-8 minutes.  Add the garlic and continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes.

Cook the pasta according to the package directions.  Once the pasta is cooked, drain the water (reserving 1/4 cup pasta water), and then toss together the pasta, pesto, cooked sausage and garlic, and brussels sprouts. 

Serve warm, and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. (I also added a little balsamic glaze to the brussels for extra flavor.)

Easy peasy and ready in about 30 minutes!

Adult version

Child version- same just quartered the sausage and cut up the brussels to hide them!

They approved!

Linking up with Natalie and Annie for Thoughts for Thursday.