Sausage and Peppers Pasta
Spicy Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, and tender onions tossed with pasta in a rich tomato sauce. A classic Italian-American comfort food that comes together in under an hour for a perfect weeknight dinner.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Cook the Pasta
- b.Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt.
- c.Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- d.Before draining, carefully reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Brown the Sausage
- b.While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- c.Add the Italian sausage (casings removed) to the hot pan. Use a wooden spoon to break it into smaller crumbles.
- d.Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked sausage to a separate plate, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Sauté the Vegetables
- b.Add the sliced bell peppers and onion to the same skillet with the sausage drippings. If the pan is too dry, add another drizzle of olive oil.
- c.Sauté for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and have started to caramelize at the edges.
- d.Add the minced garlic and cook for another 60 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent it from burning.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Simmer the Sauce
- b.Return the cooked sausage to the skillet with the vegetables.
- c.Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add the dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), 1 tsp kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
- d.Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Combine and Serve
- b.Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat every piece of pasta.
- c.If the sauce seems too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water (start with 1/4 cup) until it reaches your desired consistency. The starch in the water will help the sauce cling to the pasta.
- d.Stir in half of the fresh basil. Serve immediately, garnished with the remaining fresh basil and a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a richer sauce, deglaze the pan with a splash of red wine after cooking the garlic and before adding the tomatoes. Let it cook for a minute to burn off the alcohol.
- 2Don't skip reserving the pasta water! It's the key to creating a silky, well-emulsified sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
- 3Use a combination of hot and sweet Italian sausage for a more complex flavor profile.
- 4For the best flavor, use high-quality canned tomatoes, such as San Marzano.
- 5This dish is excellent for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Adapt it for your goals.
Creamy Version
Stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or 2 tablespoons of mascarpone cheese at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
VegetarianVegetarian
Substitute the Italian sausage with a plant-based sausage alternative or 1 can of cannellini beans (rinsed and drained).
Add More VeggiesAdd More Veggies
Incorporate sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or a handful of spinach along with the peppers and onions for extra nutrients.
Different Pasta ShapesDifferent Pasta Shapes
This sauce works well with other robust pasta shapes like rigatoni, ziti, or orecchiette that can hold the chunky sauce.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Good Source of Protein
The Italian sausage provides a significant amount of high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, muscle maintenance, and overall body function.
Rich in Vitamins and Antioxidants
Bell peppers are an excellent source of Vitamin C, while tomatoes provide lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to reduced risk of certain diseases. Onions and garlic also contribute beneficial plant compounds.
Provides Sustained Energy
The carbohydrates from the pasta serve as a primary energy source for the body, fueling your daily activities and brain function.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of this Sausage and Peppers Pasta contains approximately 850-950 calories, depending on the type of sausage and amount of cheese used. It is a hearty and satisfying meal.