Spiralize it!

I've been experimenting with the spiralizer I received for my birthday. It's a lot of fun when you first spiralize a zucchini, but then your mind starts wondering what else can spiralize. Zucchini, the most plentiful in the summer months, is the popular choice. After all, it's a blank canvas for any flavorings you can come up with. Here are some recipes I think were spiralize successes from my experiments so far, using zucchini, carrot and potato noodles with an Italian twist.

Sausage with Vegetable Noodles

Sausage with Vegetable Noodles

SAUSAGE WITH VEGETABLE NOODLES
Serves 4

1 lb. Italian sausage links
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp butter
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1-14 oz. diced tomatoes with juice
1-28 oz. can crushed tomatoes with juice
2 tsp. Italian seasoning
salt and pepper to taste
3 medium zucchini, spiralized with the spaghetti blade
2 medium carrots, spiralized wIth the spaghetti blade
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
1 Tbsp chopped fresh basil

1. Cook sausage in a large saute pan about 10-12 minutes until done, searing on all sides. Set sausage aside and cover to keep warm.

2. Melt olive oil and butter in same pan. Add onions, garlic and bell pepper and saute over low heat until soft, about 5 minutes. Add diced and crushed tomatoes and seasonings to pan. Bring to a simmer.

3. Meanwhile, spiralize the zucchini and carrots. Add to pan and stir to combine with sauce. Heat through on low heat about 10 minutes. Slice sausage and add to pan with grated Parmesan. Stir while cheese is melting. Top with chopped fresh basil.

Sausage & Tomato Cream Sauce with Potato Noodles

Sausage & Tomato Cream Sauce with Potato Noodles

SAUSAGE & TOMATO CREAM SAUCE WITH POTATO NOODLES
Serves 4

1 Tbsp olive oil
1 lb. Italian sausage links
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1-28 oz. can diced tomatoes with juice
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 tsp kosher salt & black pepper
3 russet potatoes, peeled and ends cut flat
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tsp chopped fresh parsley

1. Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until done, searing on all sides. Remove sausage and set aside. Add onion, garlic, Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 5 minutes until onion is tender. Add tomatoes, cream, salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and continue to simmer about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.

2. Meanwhile, spiralize the potatoes on the fettucine-size setting. Add to tomato cream sauce along with Parmesan cheese. Simmer with sliced sausage about 10 minutes or until potato strands are tender but still firm. Sprinkle with parsley to serve.