Italian Sausage and Arugula Pizza With Onions and Peppers

Here is a short and simple pizza recipe you can putIngredients:
together fairly quickly with little fuss, and put something8 ounces Italian Sausage, casings removed
delicious on the table in minutes. There are a number1/2 small White Onion, thinly sliced
of types and flavors of Italian sausage from mild to4 cups Baby Arugula
hot, sweet to savory. Choose your favorite style or1/2 cup Roasted Red Pepper Strips
blend a few different types for even more variety. As1 large Pre-Baked Thin Crust Pizza Shell
the recipe does not call for any seasonings, herbs or3/4 cup Ricotta Cheese
spice, a hotter Italian sausage might be the perfect1-2 tablespoons Parmesan Cheese, grated
choice. While the arugula adds a nice licorice like bite, ifPreparation:
you cannot find it at your supermarket or farmers1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
market, or if desired, baby spinach would do nicely2. In a large saucepan, over medium high heat, brown
here.the Italian sausage well and drain off the excess fat.
If you decide to make pizza dough from scratch, the3. In a separate large saucepan, over medium low
recipe time could increase significantly as many doughheat, add the thinly sliced white onion and baby arugula.
recipes require time for the dough to rise once or4. Saute the vegetable mix until the arugula has wilted.
twice before shaping. Homemade pizza dough may5. Stir in the red bell pepper strips and Italian sausage
also require more time in the oven to properly bakeand heat until warmed through.
and crisp up. A brushing of olive oil or a thin layer of6. Spread the ready-made crust with 1/2 cup of the
ready-made or homemade tomato based pizza saucericotta cheese and top with the sausage mixture.
would also be a nice addition, to add a little moisture7. Make dollops with the remaining ricotta and sprinkle
and some extra flavor.with Parmesan cheese.
Italian Sausage and Arugula Pizza with Onions and8. Bake directly on the oven rack placed in the center
Peppersof the oven for 8-10 minutes.