Italian Sausage with Peppers Penne
Savor the bold and comforting flavors of Italy with this Italian Sausage with Peppers Penne recipe, a perfect weeknight dinner idea that's both hearty and vibrant. Tender penne pasta is tossed in a robust tomato-based sauce infused with the savory richness of Italian sausage, aromatic garlic, and a trifecta of colorful bell peppers. A touch of dried oregano, basil, and optional red pepper flakes adds layers of depth, while a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and parsley provides the perfect finishing touch. Ready in just 45 minutes, this recipe is a seamless blend of ease and indulgence, ideal for pasta lovers and fans of Italian cuisine alike. Serve it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a family-friendly meal that's as irresistible as it is satisfying.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 14 oz diced tomatoes (canned, with juices)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, drain the rest, and set the pasta aside.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked (about 6-8 minutes). Remove the sausage from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced red, yellow, and green bell peppers, along with the onion. Sauté for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato paste, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 8-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir to combine. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly in the sauce. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Serve the pasta hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
666 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 38.5 g | 49% | |
| Saturated Fat | 12.5 g | 62% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 91 mg | 30% | |
| Sodium | 1486 mg | 65% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 46.6 g | 17% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.0 g | 21% | |
| Total Sugars | 11.4 g | ||
| Protein | 32.5 g | 65% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 261 mg | 20% | |
| Iron | 3.8 mg | 21% | |
| Potassium | 1036 mg | 22% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
