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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Transfer sliced bell peppers and onions into the sausage-filled skillet. Allow vegetables to soften and become translucent, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Introduce minced garlic to the skillet, stirring rapidly to prevent burning. Let the aromatic herb release its fragrant essence for approximately one minute.
- 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.
- Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
- Gently fold the prepared pasta into the robust sauce, ensuring each strand is beautifully coated with the savory mixture.
- 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