Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sausage & Peppers Pasta is one of those dependable dishes that feels both hearty and vibrant at the same time. It brings together savory sausage, sweet bell peppers, and a rich sauce that clings perfectly to every strand of pasta. This recipe is ideal for busy evenings when you want something filling without spending hours in the kitchen. I appreciate how flexible it is; you can keep it simple with pantry staples or dress it up depending on what you have on hand. The contrast between the caramelized peppers and the seasoned sausage creates layers of flavor that feel far more indulgent than the effort required. The pasta ties everything together, making this a satisfying one-pan-style meal that appeals to both adults and younger diners. It is comforting, reliable, and endlessly adaptable, which makes it a staple worth returning to again and again.
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Sausage & Peppers Pasta – A Bold, Comforting Weeknight Favorite
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A hearty and comforting pasta dish made with savory sausage, sweet bell peppers, onions, and a rich tomato-based sauce tossed with tender pasta.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 1 lb Italian sausage (pork or chicken), sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add bell peppers and onion. Sauté until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
- Return sausage to the skillet and simmer sauce for 10–15 minutes.
- Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until well combined.
- Serve hot topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs.
Notes
- Use spicy Italian sausage for extra heat.
- Add a splash of pasta water if sauce becomes too thick.
- Can be made with gluten-free pasta if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Pasta forms the base of the dish. Short shapes like penne or rigatoni work especially well because they catch the sauce and bits of sausage.
Italian sausage provides rich, seasoned flavor. Both mild and spicy varieties work, depending on your heat preference.
Bell peppers add sweetness and color. Using a mix of red, yellow, and green peppers creates balance and visual appeal.
Onion brings natural sweetness and depth once softened and lightly caramelized.
Garlic enhances the savory notes and ties the sausage and peppers together.
Olive oil is used for sautéing, helping the vegetables soften evenly while adding subtle richness.
Crushed tomatoes create the foundation of the sauce, offering acidity that balances the richness of the sausage.
Italian seasoning reinforces classic flavors with herbs like oregano and basil.
Red pepper flakes add optional heat and can be adjusted to taste.
Parmesan cheese finishes the dish with salty, nutty depth.
Fresh basil or parsley adds freshness and brightness just before serving.
Directions
Cook the pasta in well-salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve a small amount of pasta water before draining.
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it into bite-sized pieces, and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage and set aside.
In the same skillet, add onions and bell peppers. Cook until softened and lightly caramelized, stirring occasionally. Add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Return the sausage to the skillet and let the sauce simmer for about ten minutes, allowing flavors to blend.
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. Use reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Finish with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs before serving.
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves four people. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 25 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the pasta has thickened.
Variations and Customizations
You can use chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter version without sacrificing flavor. For a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of cream or mascarpone at the end. Adding mushrooms or zucchini increases vegetable content and texture. I have also tried this with whole wheat pasta, which works well and adds a nutty undertone. If you enjoy bold flavors, a spoonful of pesto stirred in before serving adds depth and freshness.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
This dish provides a balanced combination of carbohydrates, protein, and vegetables. Using lean sausage and whole grain pasta can increase nutritional value. It can be made dairy-free by omitting cheese.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Brown the Sausage Well
Proper browning enhances flavor and adds depth to the sauce.
Do Not Overcook the Peppers
Keeping slight texture prevents them from becoming mushy.
Season in Layers
Season the sausage, sauce, and pasta water for best results.
Finish with Cheese
Adding cheese off heat preserves its flavor and texture.
FAQs
What pasta shape works best?
Short pasta like penne or rigatoni is ideal.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well and is great for meal prep.
Is spicy sausage necessary?
No, mild sausage works perfectly.
Can I freeze this dish?
It can be frozen, but texture is best fresh or refrigerated.
What vegetables pair well with this?
Mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach are great additions.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta.
How do I prevent dry pasta?
Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
Can I add cheese inside the sauce?
Yes, Parmesan or Pecorino works well.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes, especially with mild sausage and no chili flakes.
Can I use jarred sauce?
You can, but homemade offers better flavor control.
Conclusion
Sausage & Peppers Pasta is a reliable, flavorful meal that brings comfort and color to the table. With simple ingredients and flexible variations, it is a dish that fits effortlessly into everyday cooking while still feeling special enough to share.
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