Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my love for sausage and peppers pasta! This dish is the epitome of comfort food—hearty, full of vibrant flavors, and oh-so-satisfying. It’s one of those meals that brings everyone to the table and leaves them smiling, with the aroma of Italian spices wafting through the air. I remember the first time I made it; my friends couldn’t get enough! The combination of juicy sausage, sweet bell peppers, and perfectly cooked pasta is simply irresistible. It’s become a staple in my kitchen, not just for its comforting taste but also for how quick and easy it is to whip up on a busy weeknight. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be adding it to your regular dinner rotation too!
Ingredients List
- 12 oz of your favorite pasta (I love using penne or rigatoni for this dish!)
- 1 lb of Italian sausage, casings removed (go for spicy or sweet, depending on your mood!)
- 2 bell peppers, sliced (any colors you like—red, yellow, and green add such a lovely pop!)
- 1 onion, sliced (a sweet onion works wonders here)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better, right?)
- 1 can of diced tomatoes (14.5 oz, the canned kind is perfect for this dish)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin is my go-to)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or a pinch of oregano and basil if you have those on hand)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
How to Prepare Sausage and Peppers Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
First things first, let’s get that pasta cooking! Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil—this is key for flavor. Once it’s bubbling, add your 12 oz of pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes until al dente. You want it to have a little bite since it’ll continue cooking later in the sauce. When it’s ready, drain it in a colander and set it aside. Make sure to give it a quick rinse with cold water if you’re worried about it sticking together.
Step 2: Prepare the Sausage and Vegetables
Now, grab a large skillet and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, it’s time to add your 1 lb of Italian sausage. Use a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks, letting it get nice and browned—about 5-7 minutes. The aroma will be heavenly! Once the sausage is browned, toss in the sliced bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic. Sauté everything together until the veggies are softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. This step really brings out the flavors!
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Alright, let’s bring it all together! Stir in the can of diced tomatoes and the 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes, letting those flavors meld beautifully. After that, gently fold in your cooked pasta, mixing everything until the pasta is well coated and heated through. Don’t forget to season with salt and black pepper to taste. And just like that, you’ve created a deliciously hearty dish that’s ready to be devoured!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It comes together in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Full of flavor, with the savory sausage and sweet bell peppers creating a delicious harmony.
- Super adaptable! You can switch up the veggies or use different types of sausage to suit your taste.
- One pot means less cleanup, which is always a win in my book!
- It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress family and friends alike.
Tips for Success
Now, if you want to take your sausage and peppers pasta to the next level, here are my top tips! First, choose your sausage wisely—if you like a kick, go for spicy Italian sausage, or if you prefer milder flavors, sweet sausage works beautifully too. Don’t shy away from adding extra veggies! Zucchini, mushrooms, or even spinach can elevate the dish and add more nutrients. Just sauté them alongside the bell peppers for that perfect blend of flavors.
Also, make sure your sauce is well-seasoned. Taste as you go and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. Lastly, when mixing in the pasta, give it a good stir to ensure every piece is coated in that delicious sauce. Trust me, these little tweaks will make all the difference and have everyone coming back for seconds!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick glance at the estimated nutritional values for a serving of my delicious sausage and peppers pasta. Keep in mind that these numbers can vary a bit depending on the specific ingredients you choose, but this should give you a good idea!
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 55mg
This hearty dish packs a satisfying punch while still being a balanced meal. So, you can enjoy all the flavors without any guilt! Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends.
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of sausage?
Absolutely! One of the best things about this sausage and peppers pasta is its versatility. You can easily substitute the Italian sausage with other types, like chorizo for a spicy kick or chicken sausage for a lighter option. Each type will bring its unique flavor to the dish, so feel free to experiment! Just remember that different sausages might require slight adjustments in cooking time, so keep an eye on them as they brown.
What can I serve with this dish?
This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but if you want to elevate your meal, I recommend serving it with a simple side salad or some garlic bread. A fresh arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette pairs beautifully, cutting through the richness of the pasta. You could also serve some roasted vegetables or a light caprese salad to keep things fresh and bright!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You definitely can! This sausage and peppers pasta keeps well for a few days in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to help loosen the sauce if needed. It’s just as delicious the next day!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftovers of this delicious sausage and peppers pasta can be a lifesaver for quick meals! To store, simply let the pasta cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It should keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to seal it tightly to lock in all that flavor!
When you’re ready to dig in again, reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat. Add a splash of water or a drizzle of olive oil to help revive the sauce and prevent sticking. Stir occasionally until it’s heated through—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. You can also pop it in the microwave if you’re in a hurry; just cover it with a microwave-safe lid and heat in 30-second increments, stirring in between. Enjoy your tasty leftovers!
Print
Sausage and Peppers Pasta: 5 Reasons You’ll Love It
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty and flavorful dish combining sausage, bell peppers, and pasta.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add sliced sausage and cook until browned.
- Add sliced bell peppers, onion, and garlic. Sauté until softened.
- Stir in diced tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Mix well and heat through.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use any type of pasta you prefer.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: sausage and peppers pasta
