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
Scale
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.
