Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Pasta

I tried this dish because I am trying to add more vegetables to our dinners, and I'm also trying to try more recipes out of cookbooks that I have sitting in my cupboard.  This one is out of Eating Well on a Budget.  I added the sausage, because Jared won't eat anything that doesn't have meat in it. 

Honestly, while I was making it, I was pretty sure it was going to turn into a McDonald's night as it was a little strange going together- seemed a little watery, but it all came together by the end.  My kids and Ryan ended up loving it- even Jared who looked at it and said, "I'll try a bite, but I'll probably just make a frozen burrito."  All six of us ate it and enjoyed it.  It is very filling with the sweet potato in there.

 

Ingredients

• 1 package spaghetti
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 polska kielbasa sausage- sliced
• 3 cups shredded, peeled sweet potato, (about 1 medium)
• 1 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced,
• 1 large yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup diced plum tomatoes
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (I used dried)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon (I used dried)
• 1 tablespoon white-wine vinegar, or lemon juice
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese (I used Feta)

Preparation

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook pasta until just tender, 4 to 5 minutes or according to package directions.
2. Meanwhile, place 1 tablespoon oil and garlic in a large skillet. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the garlic is sizzling and fragrant, 2 to 5 minutes. Add sausage and cook 5 minutes more.  Add sweet potato, bell pepper, tomatoes and water and cook, stirring occasionally, until the bell pepper is tender-crisp, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from the heat; cover and keep warm.
3. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking water. Return the pasta to the pot. Add the vegetable mixture, the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, parsley, tarragon, vinegar (or lemon juice), salt and cheese; toss to combine. Add the reserved pasta water, 2 tablespoons at a time, to achieve the desired consistency.