Pasta with Sausage and Peppers
Indulge in a comforting bowl of Pasta with Sausage and Peppers, a hearty Italian-inspired dish that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Tender penne or rigatoni is tossed in a rich, savory tomato sauce featuring sautéed Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, onions, and fragrant garlic, all seasoned with oregano and a touch of optional red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. This one-pan wonder is easy to prepare in just 45 minutes, making it a stress-free yet impressive meal. Serve it topped with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a dazzling finish. Perfectly balanced and deeply satisfying, this classic pasta recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb mild or spicy Italian sausage, casing removed
- 1 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 large yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes (canned)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Add the sausage to the skillet and break it into small pieces with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers and onion. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and simmer the sauce over low heat for 10–15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce becomes too thick.
Stir the cooked pasta into the skillet, tossing to coat the noodles evenly with the sauce.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2993 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 182.4 g | 234% | |
| Saturated Fat | 67.8 g | 339% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 413 mg | 138% | |
| Sodium | 8498 mg | 369% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 199.8 g | 73% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 28.7 g | 102% | |
| Total Sugars | 55.2 g | ||
| Protein | 144.8 g | 290% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1607 mg | 124% | |
| Iron | 14.7 mg | 82% | |
| Potassium | 3814 mg | 81% | |
*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.
