Light & Low Carb Spicy Chicken Sausage Zucchini Noodle Casserole

• 1 - 14 oz. package mild Italian chicken sausage (I use Whole Foods 365)
• 1 - 24 oz. jar arrabbiata sauce (I use Rao's)
• 1 tsp. Italian seasoning (I use Flavor Gods Italian Zest)
• 1 tsp. garlic powder (I use Flavor Gods Garlic Lovers)
• 1/2 tsp. onion powder
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
• freshly ground black pepper
• 1 bell pepper, chopped, yielding about 1 cup (I used an orange bell pepper)
• 2/3 cup chopped yellow onion
• 2 - 10 oz. packages fresh zucchini noodles (or make your own!)
• 3 oz. fresh mini mozzarella balls (9 balls)
• 1 cup shaved parmesan cheese

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and spray with cooking spray.  Add the chicken sausage to the pan and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink.  Season the meat with the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and red pepper flakes, and generously season with freshly ground black pepper.

Add the bell pepper and onion to the pan and stir everything together to evenly season the meat and veggies.

Stir the jar of sauce over the top of the meat and veggie mixture, and mix well, adjusting the heat to get the sauce to a simmer.   Allow to simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Meanwhile, put a colander on top of a large bowl and dump the zucchini noodles into the colander, cutting them up into smaller pieces.  Lightly season with salt and toss, letting the excess water from the zucchini drain into the bowl below.

Spray a 8x11 baking dish with cooking spray.  Preheat oven to 350F.

Use paper towels or a dish towel to ring out any excess water.  After the sauce has simmered for 20 minutes, add the zucchini to the pan and stir to mix well.

Transfer the mixture to your baking dish.  Place the mini mozzarella balls on top and press them into the noodle sauce mixture.  Sprinkle the shaved parmesan over the top.

Bake for 25 minutes, until the top is lightly browned and the sauce is bubbling.  Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Serves 5 - 6.  E N J O Y !