Pasta with Chicken

1 small onion, chopped

1 celery rib, chopped fine

1 carrot, chopped fine

2 tablespoons EVOO

1 clove garlic, minced

¼ - ½ cup roasted red peppers, chopped

1- 15 ounce can diced or crushed tomatoes

Dash red pepper flakes

Fresh ground black pepper

 2 Chicken breasts, cooked and shredded or chopped

1 small package fresh basil, broken into pieces

Parmesan cheese

Add the first 3 ingredients to a food processor; turn the machine on and off several times to mince the veggies.  In medium sauce pan heat the EVOO and then add all the minced veggies.   Sauté the veggies until tender and onions are clear in color.  Now add in your garlic and cook for 1 -2 minutes.  Then add your tomatoes, spices, and roasted red pepper.  Simmer for 20 to 30 minutes.  Remove pan from heat and use a hand blender to slightly puree the sauce in the pan.  (Or if you prefer you can skip this last part!)  Return pan to heat and add the chicken and fresh basil pieces.  Simmer for another 10 minutes while you prepare your pasta. 

Serve over pasta of choice and top with fresh grated cheese.

Options:  Add black olives. Replace chicken with Italian sausage.

Also, you can exchange the roasted red peppers for artichoke hearts.