Spicy Feta Pasta with Spicy Chicken Sausage

Ingredients:

• Cherry tomatoes (about 2 cups)

• 5 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• ¼ tbsp Italian seasoning

• 1 tbsp chili pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

• ¼ tbsp garlic granules

• 1 block feta cheese

• 1½ tbsp Calabrian chili paste

• Spicy Italian chicken sausage (2-3 links, sliced)

• Gemelli pasta (or your choice of pasta)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Feta-Tomato Mixture:
   In an oven-safe dish, place the block of feta in the center. Scatter cherry tomatoes around the feta and sprinkle with finely chopped garlic.

2. Drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, chili pepper flakes, and garlic granules.
   Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes, until the tomatoes are blistered and feta is softened.
   Carefully remove from the oven (watch out for bursting tomatoes!) and use a spatula to mix until it becomes a thick, creamy sauce.

3. Cook the Pasta:

   While the feta mixture bakes, cook the gemelli pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

4. Prepare the Chicken Sausage:

   In a medium saucepan, cook the spicy Italian chicken sausage over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Set aside.

5. Combine Everything:
   Add the cooked pasta and sausage to the feta-tomato mixture. Stir well to combine.
   Adjust seasoning with an additional tablespoon of Calabrian chili paste and extra chili pepper flakes for more heat if desired.

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