Sausage and Peppers Pasta
When it comes to quick weeknight dinners that satisfy the whole family, a hearty sausage and peppers pasta hits all the right notes.
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and Cutting Board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12 oz penne pasta or your favorite shape
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt for pasta water
For the Sausage and Peppers
- 1 lb Italian sausage mild or spicy, casings removed
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper sliced
- 1 green bell pepper sliced
- 1 medium onion thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional, for a little heat
For the Sauce
- 1 can 14 oz diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Pro Tip: Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining—it’s perfect for loosening the sauce later if it gets too thick.
Brown the Sausage
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
- Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.
- Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Pro Tip: Don’t rush this step—letting the sausage brown adds depth and flavor to the entire dish.
Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add sliced peppers and onions.
- Cook for 5–6 minutes until they start to soften.
- Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another 1–2 minutes.
- Pro Tip: Keep the veggies moving in the pan so they soften evenly without burning.
Make the Sauce
- Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Stir in Italian seasoning and let the mixture simmer for 5–7 minutes.
- Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir to combine.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sausage and peppers.
- Toss everything together until the pasta is coated with the sauce.
- If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Pro Tip: Toss gently to avoid breaking the pasta, but make sure every noodle is coated with the flavorful sauce.
Finish and Serve
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the pasta and stir lightly.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Nutritional Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~520 kcal
- Protein: 24 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 920 mg
- Calcium: 160 mg
- Iron: 3 mg