Pesto Sausage Pizza

1/2 pound Italian sausage
8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup prepared pesto*
1 cup roasted garlic Parmesan spaghetti sauce, such as Prego
2-1/4 ounce can sliced olives (optional)
1-1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese (6 ounces)
prepared pizza crust

*Try this pesto recipe, or purchase the pesto if you prefer.

1. In a large skillet, crumble and cook sausage until no longer pink. Drain.
2. Preheat oven to 400.
   
3. In a small bowl, beat cream cheese and pesto until blended.
   
4. Spread pesto mixture over prepared, unbaked crust.
   
5. Layer spaghetti sauce, sausage, olives, and Monterey Jack cheese over pizza.
   
6. Bake at 400 for 25-30 minutes or until crust is golden brown and cheese is melted.
   

Blackened Chicken & Spinach Pizza (Paula Deen)

3 teaspoons blackening seasoning, such as Zatarans (in spice aisle)
1 boneless, skinless chicken breast, pounded to 1/4 inch thickness*
4 Tablespoons butter, divided
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 shallot, minced**
2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 cup white wine
3/4 cup milk
2 Tablespoons chopped fresh basil
1-1/2 cups shredded mozzarella, divided
1/2 cup fresh spinach leaves
8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
prepared pizza crust

*Can substitute about 1/2 pound boneless chicken tenders; no need to flatten.
**Can substitute about 3 chives for shallot

1. Sprinkle 2 teaspoons blackening seasoning evenly over chicken breast. Melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until done.
2. Remove chicken from heat, cool, and cut into bite-sized pieces.
3. In a large skillet, melt remaining butter over medium heat. Add garlic and shallot, and cook for 2 minutes.
4. Stir in flour and cook for 2 more minutes, stirring constantly.
5. Gradually whisk in wine and milk. Continue to whisk constantly for 4 or 5 minutes, until thickened. Stir in basil and remaining 1 teaspoon blackening seasoning, and remove from heat.
6. Preheat oven to 450.
7. Spread cream mixture evenly over prepared, unbaked crust
   
8. Sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella.
9. Top evenly with spinach, chicken pieces, and bacon.
   
10. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella and the Parmesan cheese over the top.
11. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly browned.