Penne with Italian Sausage and Peppers
Savor the vibrant flavors of Italy with this hearty Penne with Italian Sausage and Peppers recipe! Featuring tender penne pasta tossed in a rich, aromatic tomato-based sauce, this dish is layered with sautéed bell peppers, onions, and perfectly seasoned Italian sausage, offering a delicious balance of savory and sweet. Enhanced with classic Italian herbs like oregano and basil, and finished with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, this comforting pasta dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Topped with fresh parsley and a generous dusting of Parmesan cheese, it’s as satisfying to the eyes as it is to the palate. Ready in just 45 minutes, this easy-to-follow recipe is a must-try for pasta lovers craving an authentic Italian twist!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 4 links Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 bell peppers (mixed colors, sliced)
- 1 yellow onion (sliced)
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 can crushed tomatoes (canned, 28 oz)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese (grated, for serving)
- as needed water (for boiling pasta)
- 1 tbsp salt (for boiling pasta)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage links and cook until browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from the skillet and slice into 1/2-inch pieces. Return the sliced sausage to the skillet and continue cooking until fully cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced bell peppers and onion and sauté for about 5-6 minutes, or until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine.
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to combine with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
519 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 29.1 g | 37% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.8 g | 44% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 62 mg | 21% | |
| Sodium | 3369 mg | 146% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 43.1 g | 16% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.2 g | 19% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.4 g | ||
| Protein | 23.9 g | 48% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 186 mg | 14% | |
| Iron | 3.1 mg | 17% | |
| Potassium | 749 mg | 16% | |
*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.
