Creamy Tomato Banza Chickpea Pasta

Fill a medium pot 3/4 of the way up with salted water; cover and heat to boiling on high. Wash and dry the fresh produce. Cut the mushrooms into bite-sized pieces. Peel and roughly chop 2 cloves of garlic. Cut off and discard the stems of the peppers; remove the cores, then thinly slice into rings.

Add the pasta to the pot of boiling water and cook, stirring occasionally, 4 to 6 minutes, or until al dente (still slightly firm to the bite). Turn off the heat. Reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, drain thoroughly and rinse under cold water to prevent sticking.

Meanwhile, in a large pan (nonstick, if you have one), heat a drizzle of olive oil on medium-high until hot. - Add the sausage and mushroom pieces in an even layer. Cook, without stirring, 2 to 3 minutes, or until lightly browned. - Add the capers, chopped garlic, and sliced peppers; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently and breaking the meat apart with a spoon, 3 to 4 minutes, or until slightly softened.

To the pan, add the tomato sauce (carefully, as the liquid may splatter) and Italian seasoning; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, 2 to 3 minutes, or until combined and the sausage is cooked through. Turn off the heat.

To the pan of cooked sausage, vegetables, and sauce, add the cooked pasta and half the reserved pasta cooking water. Cook on medium-high, stirring gently, 1 to 2 minutes, or until the pasta is coated (if necessary, gradually add the remaining cooking water to ensure the pasta is thoroughly coated). Turn off the heat. Stir in the mascarpone until combined. Taste, then season with salt and pepper if desired. Serve the finished pasta garnished with the parmesan. Enjoy!