Frank + Pasta = One happy man.

Frank would eat pasta every.single.night...and probably every day for lunch too...if it were up to him.  Don't get me wrong - I love it too - but I prefer variety (even though pasta is very versatile).

When I was pregnant, I was following a low carb diet from the beginning because of an insulin resistance disease I have (unfortunately, I still developed gestational diabetes).  THANK GOD a friend of mine told me about this so I wouldn't have to give up my love for pasta.  It's still the only type that we use in our house...so, there isn't as much guilt associated with eating it often.

I love creating new dishes with pasta...basically any protein and veggie will work.  This is one of our favorites.  Once again, Trader Joe's saves the day with many varieties of chicken sausage (the spinach, fontina, and roasted garlic variety is what we usually have) and their frozen artichoke hearts.  Quick, easy, healthy and delicious.

We RARELY have bread in our house unless there's an occasion, or unless it's low carb, OR unless we just got a kick-ass panini maker, apparently.  That's thing's gonna be dangerous.  Anyway, we have a piece of italian bread that's been here a few days so Frank requested garlic bread.

Pasta with Chicken Sausage & Artichoke Hearts
4 chicken sausage links (we usually use Trader Joe's Spinach, Fontina & Roasted Garlic Chicken Sausage, but sub whatever you like), cut into bite size chunks
2 T. extra virgin olive oil
4 garlic cloves, chopped
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup chicken stock
1/4 cup white wine
pat of butter
1/2 bag frozen artichoke hearts, thawed (you can also use canned)
1/2 lb. pasta, cooked according to package directions
Grated cheese (we use pecorino romano)

***once again, measurements are approximate!

Heat a large skillet, add oil and garlic, then sausage.  Add salt and pepper.  Cook over medium high heat until brown on all sides.

Add chicken stock, wine and butter, then the artichokes.  Give it a quick stir and add a bit more salt and pepper.  Turn heat to low and cook for about 10 minutes, allowing flavors to combine and liquid to reduce.  If liquid needs to be a little thicker, add a bit more butter.

Add cooked pasta to skillet and toss all ingredients together.  Top with cheese and serve.