If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant colors, bold flavors, and comforting textures, the Sweet Pepper and Sausage Pasta Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This recipe brings together tender pasta coated in a savory, slightly sweet sauce made from sautéed bell peppers, onions, and perfectly browned Italian sausage. It’s simple enough for a weekday meal but impressive enough to share with friends, delivering a satisfying blend of smoky, sweet, and herby notes in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Sweet Pepper and Sausage Pasta Recipe plays a crucial role in creating a delicious and well-balanced dish. From the aromatic sausage to the fresh peppers, each element adds texture, flavor, and a pop of color that makes this meal so irresistible.
- 12 oz pasta: Choose penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti for the perfect pasta base that holds the sauce beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: This adds richness and helps sauté the sausage and vegetables to perfection.
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed: Provides savory, meaty depth that’s the heart of this dish.
- 2 bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), sliced: Bring vibrant sweetness and crunch that balance the sausage.
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced: Adds subtle sweetness and caramelizes beautifully with the peppers.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for aromatic flavor that enhances every bite.
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth): Helps create a light sauce that keeps everything moist without heaviness.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Infuses the dish with a warm, earthy herbaceous note.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds just a hint of heat to elevate flavors if you’re feeling spicy.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Enhances all the natural ingredients’ flavors beautifully.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh, bright finish right before serving.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving): Provides a salty, nutty topping that completes the dish perfectly.
How to Make Sweet Pepper and Sausage Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until just al dente, according to the package instructions. This ensures you get that perfect bite with some chew but without being mushy. Don’t forget to save about half a cup of the pasta water before draining—it’s a little secret that will help loosen your sauce later.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage after removing it from the casings, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Let it brown evenly and cook through, which usually takes around 6 to 8 minutes. Browning the sausage well adds incredible depth to the flavor of your Sweet Pepper and Sausage Pasta Recipe. Once cooked, transfer it to a bowl and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Using the same skillet, drizzle the remaining olive oil and add your sliced bell peppers, onion, and freshly minced garlic. Sauté these vibrant vegetables for about 5 to 6 minutes until they soften and start to caramelize slightly. The natural sweetness from the peppers and onions mingling with the garlic creates the perfect aromatic base for this pasta.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
Return the browned sausage to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth, sprinkle in the dried oregano and crushed red pepper flakes if you want a subtle kick. Stir everything gently and let it simmer for about 2 to 3 minutes. This step allows all those wonderful flavors to marry and the sauce to thicken just enough without overwhelming the fresh ingredients.
Step 5: Toss the Pasta
Now, add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet with your sausage and vegetable mixture. Toss everything together so the pasta is wonderfully coated in that flavorful sauce. If the sauce feels a bit thick or dry, stir in some of your reserved pasta water a little at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper as needed to perfect the taste.
Step 6: Serve
Finish off your Sweet Pepper and Sausage Pasta Recipe by garnishing with freshly chopped basil or parsley. For that classic Italian touch, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the top just before serving. Serve immediately while it’s warm and comforting—the perfect meal to bring everyone to the table.
How to Serve Sweet Pepper and Sausage Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add a bright pop of color and fresh herbal fragrance that whisk the dish to the next level. Alongside a sprinkle of Parmigiano-Reggiano, these simple garnishes create contrast that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
Side Dishes
This pasta shines with sides that complement without competing. Think a crisp green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette or crunchy garlic bread to scoop every last bit of sauce. Roasted vegetables or a light caprese salad are also stellar choices for balance and texture.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to surprise your guests? Serve the pasta in shallow bowls for easy tossing at the table, or dish it out family-style in a large, colorful serving platter to showcase the bright peppers and herbs. For a bit of rustic charm, add edible flowers or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil to finish the plate with a glossy sheen.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers from this Sweet Pepper and Sausage Pasta Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish holds up well and the flavors actually deepen overnight, making it perfect for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze this pasta for longer storage by placing it in a freezer-safe container. Be sure to cool it completely before freezing. It’s best consumed within 1 to 2 months for optimal taste and texture, though the sausage and peppers reheat nicely after a thaw.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, to prevent drying out. If you added fresh herbs or cheese initially, add a little fresh garnish when reheating for a renewed fresh touch.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with spicy or sweet Italian sausage, chicken sausage, or even chorizo. Each will bring a unique flavor twist to your Sweet Pepper and Sausage Pasta Recipe, so choose according to your preference.
What pasta works best?
Penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti all work wonderfully because their shapes hold onto the sauce differently. Rigatoni’s ridges and penne’s tubes trap the pieces of sausage and peppers, while spaghetti offers a classic twirl of flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the sausage for vegetarian sausage or use sautéed mushrooms for a meaty texture. The sweet peppers and seasonings still make this dish full of flavor and satisfying.
Is it okay to use different colored peppers?
Definitely! Red, yellow, and orange peppers each add a different layer of sweetness and color—mixing them makes the dish even more appealing and flavorful.
How spicy is this dish?
The crushed red pepper flakes are optional and adjustable. Add them for a mild kick or omit for a milder version. The sausage choice also affects heat levels depending on whether you pick mild or spicy varieties.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Sweet Pepper and Sausage Pasta Recipe, it’s bound to become a staple in your meal rotation. Its ease, delightful flavors, and colorful presentation make it a winner for any occasion. So go ahead, gather your ingredients and start cooking—you’ll love sharing this comforting and vibrant dish with everyone at your table.
Print
Sweet Pepper and Sausage Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Sweet Pepper and Sausage Pasta is a flavorful and hearty Italian-inspired dish featuring Italian sausage, sautéed bell peppers, onions, and garlic tossed with al dente pasta. Enhanced with aromatic herbs and a touch of chicken broth, this dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner that combines savory, spicy, and fresh flavors in one pan.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz pasta (such as penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti)
Sausage and Vegetables
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 2 bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Garnish
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set aside to keep warm.
- Cook the Sausage: While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it into smaller pieces with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and beginning to caramelize, enhancing their natural sweetness.
- Combine the Ingredients: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth along with dried oregano and crushed red pepper flakes, if using. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld together.
- Toss the Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together thoroughly. If the sauce seems too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it. Season the dish with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Serve: Garnish the pasta with chopped fresh basil or parsley and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your satisfying pasta meal!
Notes
- Use mild or spicy Italian sausage according to your heat preference.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
- Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option (omit sausage in that case).
- For a gluten-free variation, use gluten-free pasta.
- Grated Parmesan cheese adds a nice salty finish but can be omitted for a dairy-free meal.
- Crushed red pepper flakes are optional for adding a little heat.
