Spring Veggie Pasta w/ Chicken Sausage

 I discovered this recipe via one of my favorite blogs, Gluten Free Goddess.  If you haven't checked it out yet, Karina is fabulous and has taught me loads!  Although I almost always tweak things, I have left this wonderful recipe alone with the exception of adding chicken sausage.  I love it SO much for four reasons:

1. It's very easy and quick to make.
2. It's pretty to look at.
3. It's a one dish wonder with all the protein, veggies, and carbs in one spot!
4. It's unbelievably delicious, and the several people I have served it to agree.

Take advantage of the lovely fresh local asparagus in the stores right now and make this for dinner!!

So pretty to look at!

12 oz  package of brown rice pasta
1 bunch asparagus, woody ends removed, sliced into 3 inch diagonals
1 pint (or more!) grape/cherry tomatoes, halved (best deal for organic ones at Trader Joe's!)
1 leek, sliced thin
1-2 jalapeño/serrano peppers, seeded, diced fine
4 good sized cloves of garlic, chopped
1 heaping tablespoon capers (Costco..best deal!)
2 tablespoons raisins (really, don't skip this, my hubby hates raisins, but still loves this))
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (best deal for organic at Costco, although you have to use it up withing a few months for freshness)
4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Sea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon dried basil
A good pinch of hot red pepper flakes, to taste
1 pound chicken sausage (I used a local New Seasons bulk basil chicken sausage), crumbled and browned

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Bring a large pot of fresh salted water to a rolling boil. Put all the sauce ingredients onto a cookie sheet, toss to coat evenly.  Roast in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, until the asparagus is tender and crisp.  Meanwhile cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain the pasta and toss with the chicken sausage and pasta right on the cookie sheet.  You could add parmesan if you can have it, or Daiya mozzarella, if you like, but it is fabulous on it's own!