The Zesty Sweet Pepper and Sausage Pasta Recipe You’ll Love

Crisp summer nights call for a hearty sweet pepper and sausage pasta that promises pure comfort.

Mediterranean flavors dance through this vibrant dish, creating an irresistible meal.

Robust Italian sausage mingles with colorful bell peppers, releasing an aroma that fills your kitchen.

Simplicity defines this recipe, allowing each ingredient to shine with remarkable clarity.

Tender pasta catches delicious bits of caramelized meat and peppers in every satisfying bite.

Quick and uncomplicated, this meal comes together faster than you might expect.

One forkful will convince you that sometimes the most straightforward combinations deliver maximum deliciousness.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for those evenings when hunger demands something extraordinary.

Why Sweet Pepper And Sausage Pasta Is A Flavorful Favorite

• Whip Up a Quick Weeknight Meal: This pasta dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families rushing to get dinner on the table after a long day.
• Boost Flavor with Simple Ingredients: The combination of sausage, sweet peppers, and tomatoes creates a rich, satisfying meal that packs a punch of deliciousness without requiring complicated cooking techniques.
• Customize to Your Taste Buds: Easily swap out sausage types, adjust spice levels with red pepper flakes, or add extra herbs to make this recipe uniquely yours, ensuring everyone at the table will be happy.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with this single-pan recipe that transforms basic ingredients into a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal that requires minimal effort and washing up afterward.

Everything You Need For Sweet Pepper And Sausage Pasta

• Pasta: Classic base for a hearty and filling meal, choose a short pasta like penne or rigatoni for better sauce coating.

• Sausage, Garlic: Flavorful and savory protein that adds richness, choose mild or spicy Italian sausage for depth.
• Onion: Sweet and aromatic base for building flavor, yellow or white onions work best.

• Sweet Peppers, Tomatoes: Fresh and colorful vegetables that add brightness and moisture, choose ripe bell peppers in red or yellow.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy element for heat lovers, adjust to personal heat preference.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing overall flavor profile.
• Olive Oil: Provides smooth cooking medium and additional flavor foundation.

• Parmesan Cheese, Fresh Herbs: Optional garnishes that add sharp, fresh notes, choose freshly grated Parmesan and herbs like basil or parsley.

How To Cook Sweet Pepper And Sausage Pasta With Ease

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil. Carefully drop in the pasta and cook until it reaches that perfect al dente texture. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside, ready for its flavor adventure.

Step 2: Sizzle the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Crumble the sausage into the pan, breaking it into bite-sized pieces. Let it dance and sizzle until it turns a gorgeous golden brown and cooks completely through.

Step 3: Awaken the Vegetables

Toss in the colorful bell peppers and onions. Let them mingle and soften in the skillet, creating a vibrant base of flavor. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Infuse with Garlic Magic

Sprinkle in the minced garlic and let it release its aromatic charm. Stir quickly to prevent burning, allowing the garlic to become fragrant and golden.

Step 5: Build the Sauce

Pour in the diced tomatoes and sprinkle red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Let the mixture simmer and bubble, allowing the flavors to intertwine and create a rich, mouth-watering sauce.

Step 6: Season and Enhance

• Salt
• Black pepper

Taste and adjust seasonings to your preference.

Step 7: Combine and Coat

Gently fold the cooked pasta into the skillet. Toss everything together, ensuring each pasta strand gets a delicious coating of the savory sauce and vegetables.

Step 8: Final Flourish

• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Chopped fresh herbs (optional)

Serve immediately while piping hot and enjoy the flavor explosion!

Helpful Tips For Sweet Pepper And Sausage Pasta

• Customize Sausage Selection: Choose mild Italian, spicy chorizo, or chicken sausage to match your flavor preference and dietary needs.
• Boost Vegetable Variety: Swap sweet peppers with roasted zucchini, eggplant, or spinach for added nutrition and different texture profiles.
• Master Perfect Pasta Texture: Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness and ensure each strand holds sauce beautifully.
• Control Spice Level: Adjust red pepper flakes quantity based on your heat tolerance, from a pinch for mild warmth to generous sprinkle for serious kick.
• Maximize Leftovers Potential: Store in airtight container for 3-4 days, refreshing with splash of olive oil when reheating to restore moisture and flavor.

Storage Tips For Sweet Pepper And Sausage Pasta

• Refrigerate leftover pasta in an airtight container within two hours of cooking.
• Store the dish for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, keeping the flavors sealed and fresh.
• Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or olive oil to prevent drying out, stirring occasionally to maintain the pasta's texture.
• Avoid freezing this particular recipe, as the fresh vegetables and pasta might become mushy when thawed, compromising the delightful taste and consistency of the dish.
• When reheating, warm the pasta over medium-low heat to preserve the sausage's juiciness and prevent the peppers from becoming too soft or losing their vibrant colors.

Perfect Pairings With Sweet Pepper And Sausage Pasta

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich sausage and sweet peppers, cutting through the dish's savory flavors with its tangy wine notes.
• Crisp Side Salad Companion: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the pasta's hearty profile, offering a fresh and zesty contrast that cleanses the palate between bites.
• Garlic Bread Perfect Match: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread alongside the pasta to soak up the delicious sauce and add an extra layer of garlicky goodness that enhances the overall meal experience.
• Refreshing Drink Option: Select a cold Italian pilsner or crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio to cut through the richness of the sausage and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the warm, robust pasta dish.

Ways To Remix Sweet Pepper And Sausage Pasta

• Veggie Power Pasta: Swap sausage with plant-based crumbles or roasted chickpeas for a vegetarian version. Add zucchini and mushrooms to boost vegetable content and create a hearty, nutrient-rich meal.
• Spicy Mediterranean Mix: Replace regular sausage with spicy chorizo or andouille. Incorporate kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired flavor profile that adds complexity and zest.
• Creamy Herb Fusion: Transform the dish by stirring in heavy cream or cream cheese near the end of cooking. Sprinkle extra fresh basil and oregano to create a luxurious, herb-infused sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
• Seafood Remix: Substitute sausage with shrimp or chunks of white fish. Add a splash of white wine during cooking and finish with fresh lemon zest for a lighter, coastal-inspired pasta experience.

Common Questions On Sweet Pepper And Sausage Pasta

• What kind of sausage works best for this recipe?

Italian sausage is ideal for this pasta dish. Choose either mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on your heat preference. Pork or chicken Italian sausage both work great and add rich flavor to the pasta.

• Can I make this recipe spicy or mild?

Absolutely! Control the heat by adjusting the red pepper flakes. Use a pinch for mild flavor or add more if you love spicy dishes. You can also choose a spicy Italian sausage to increase the overall heat level of the meal.

• Is this a good weeknight dinner option?

Yes, this pasta is perfect for busy weeknights! It comes together in about 30 minutes and uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients. The one-skillet method means less cleanup and quick preparation, making it a convenient meal for families or individuals.

• Do I need any special cooking skills to make this recipe?

Not at all! This recipe is beginner-friendly and requires basic cooking techniques like chopping vegetables, browning sausage, and stirring ingredients. Even novice cooks can confidently prepare this delicious pasta dish with minimal cooking experience.

Sweet Pepper And Sausage Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy Italian sausage meets colorful sweet peppers in this mouthwatering Sweet Pepper and Sausage Pasta. Rich flavors dance through al dente noodles, creating a satisfying meal that brings comfort and excitement to your dinner table in minutes.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casing removed)

Vegetables:

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 orange bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 ounces/411 grams) can diced tomatoes

Pasta and Seasonings:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne or rigatoni works great)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Fill a generously sized pot with water, season with salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Submerge pasta and cook until it reaches a perfect al dente texture, following package guidelines. Carefully drain and reserve.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium flame. Introduce sausage, using a wooden spoon to crumble and break it down. Cook until the meat develops a rich, golden-brown exterior and is fully cooked through.
3. Transfer sliced bell peppers and onions into the sausage-filled skillet. Allow vegetables to soften and become translucent, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
4. Introduce minced garlic to the skillet, stirring rapidly to prevent burning. Let the aromatic herb release its fragrant essence for approximately one minute.
5. Pour in diced tomatoes and sprinkle red pepper flakes if desired. Reduce heat and let the mixture simmer, allowing flavors to meld and develop a harmonious profile.
6. Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
7. Gently fold the prepared pasta into the robust sauce, ensuring each strand is beautifully coated with the savory mixture.
8. Finish the dish by generously dusting with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Optional: Garnish with a handful of chopped fresh herbs for an added layer of brightness and flavor. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Choose spicy or mild Italian sausage based on your heat preference, creating a personalized flavor profile.
• Slice peppers and onions uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Opt for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste.
• Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can elevate the dish’s brightness and add a vibrant, aromatic touch to the final presentation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 485
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 53 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 62 mg