Pepper Note: Bird's Eye is a very hot chili pepper. You can substitute a jalapeno pepper for medium heat or a small poblano pepper for mild heat. Alternatively, you can omit the fresh pepper, and just add a pinch of crushed red pepper or cayenne pepper. Or use only the black pepper, to taste. This doesn't need to be a spicy dish.
Nut Note: Marisa likes to garnish this pasta with chopped roasted and salted pistachios. You can substitute pine nuts or another favorite nut, some
homemade dairy-free parmesan, or omit the garnish.