Name: Pasta with Sausage and Peppers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 lb Italian sausage; 1 cup Bell peppers (any color) (sliced); 1 onion Onion (chopped); 1 lb Pasta; 2 cups Pasta sauce; 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)

What is it like to smell sausage and peppers sizzling in a pan? Back to my childhood. My Nonna used to make this dish every Sunday, and the entire house would be filled with the most delicious food. What are some amazing aroma It’s comfort food at its finest, a simple dish that’s bursting with flavor. Think of it as the Italian version of a hearty, satisfying chili – but with pasta! What is the best recipe for a salad?Pasta with sausage and peppers.Is just as easy (maybe even easier! What is better than spaghetti and meatballs?

What is Pasta with Sausage and Peppers?

What is a break down?Pasta with sausage and peppers.What is essentially a simple, rustic Italian dish where sweet Italian sausage and bell peppers (usually roasted) are used. How do you cook a tomato sauce? What are your favorite pasta What is a dish that’s all about using fresh, high-quality ingredients and letting their natural flavors. Think of it as a culinary hug – warm, comforting, and incredibly satisfying. What is Italian comfort food at its best?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

What are some good reasons to love this movie?Pasta with sausage and peppers.What are some of the best recipes ever made? The sweetness of the peppers perfectly balances the savory, slightly spicy sausage, and the tomato. What is a symphony of sauce? What I love most about this is how truly easy it is to make. What are some great ideas for a busy weeknight meal when you don’t have time to spend in the kitchen?

Is it a good meal? Sausage and peppers are relatively inexpensive, and you probably already have most of the other things. What are some of the best ingredients in your pantry? What is versatility? Can you serve this dish as a simple weeknight meal, or dress it up for twilight dinner party? Is it good for meal prep? If you’re a fan of easy, flavorful Italian dishes like lasagna or baked ziti, you absolutely have to. Is it a go-to in our house?

How do I make Pasta with Sausage and Peppers?

Quick Overview

Making this What is pasta with sausage and peppers?Is it easier than you think to do it? What are some good ways to brown sausage, then add peppers and onions to soften. Next, toss in some garlic, tomato sauce, and seasonings. Let everything simmer until the sauce is thick and bubbly. How does sauce thicken and the flavors meld together beautifully? While the sauce is simmering, you’ll cook your pasta according to the package directions. What’s the best part? Can you customize this recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables, spices, or cheeses? What are some foolproof methods to follow?

Ingredients

For the Pasta:
* 1 pound pasta (I love penne, rigatoni, or rotini but use your favorite!)
* Salt, for pasta water

For the Sausage and Peppers:
* 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot, or a combination!), casings removed.
* 1 large onion, sliced
* 2 bell peppers (any color!), sliced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Olive oil, for cooking
* Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
* Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

What are the steps to

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. How much pasta water should I drain before cooking? I always do this when making pasta – you never know when you might need it to adjust the sauce.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

While the pasta is cooking, heat a drizzle of olive oil in an ovenproof dish. What are the advantages of Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned on all sides. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the onion and bell peppers to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. When your kitchen smells amazing, why?

Step 4: Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings

What’s your favorite way to serve crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce? Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer. Add the salt and pepper.

Step 5: Simmer and Thicken

Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 15-20 minutes, or longer if you have time, to get rid of the itch. What are the flavors that meld together? The longer it simmers, the better it gets!

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat, adding a little pasta water if needed to thin the sauce to your desired consistency. I like to add a splash of pasta water to this recipe.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve immediately with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. What is Parmesan?

What should I serve it with?

This Pasta with sausage and peppers.Is it good on its own or served with a side salad? What are some ways to dip in the sauce? What is a simple green salad with vinaigrette? What are some ideas for different occasions?

For a Casual Weeknight Meal: Serve with a simple side salad and some garlic bread. A glass of red wine is always a welcome addition!

For a Dinner Party: Plate the pasta beautifully and garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan cheese. Serve with a Caprese salad and a bottle of Chianti.

For Lunch: This pasta makes a great leftover lunch! Pack it in a container and reheat it at work.

For a Picnic: Let the pasta cool completely, then pack it in a container. It’s a great option for a summer picnic!

We also love to serve it with a side of roasted vegetables, like broccoli or zucchini. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Pasta with Sausage and Peppers

Here are some tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years to make the best pasta with sausage and peppers:

Sausage Selection: Use high-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor. I prefer to use a combination of sweet and hot sausage for a little bit of a kick.

Pepper Preparation: Slice the peppers thinly and evenly so they cook evenly. I also like to remove the seeds and membranes for a milder flavor.

Garlic Timing: Add the garlic at the very end of the sautéing process so it doesn’t burn. Burnt garlic can make the whole dish taste bitter.

Simmering is Key: Don’t rush the simmering process! The longer the sauce simmers, the more the flavors will meld together and the more delicious it will be.

Pasta Water Magic: Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water before draining! It’s a great way to thin the sauce and make it cling to the pasta better. This is a trick I learned from my Nonna!

Cheese Choices: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor. I also like to add a sprinkle of Pecorino Romano cheese for a saltier flavor.

Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also use hot Italian sausage instead of sweet sausage.

Veggie Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables to the sauce, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Here’s how to store and reheat your leftover pasta with sausage and peppers:

Room Temperature: You can leave the pasta at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that, it should be refrigerated or frozen.

Refrigerator Storage: Store the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The sauce may thicken as it sits, so you may need to add a little water or broth when reheating.

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the pasta in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating: Reheat the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little water or broth if needed to thin the sauce. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it.

I usually add a little extra Parmesan cheese when I reheat it to freshen it up. It’s almost as good as the first day!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken sausage instead of Italian sausage?

Absolutely! Chicken sausage is a great lower-fat alternative. Just make sure to choose a flavorful chicken sausage that will complement the other ingredients.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, you can! Simply omit the sausage and add some extra vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant. You can also use a vegetarian sausage substitute.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes?

Yes, you can, but you’ll need to peel and seed them first. You’ll also need to cook them down longer to reduce the liquid. I find that canned tomatoes are more convenient and consistent in flavor.

What kind of pasta is best for this dish?

I prefer to use penne, rigatoni, or rotini, but any pasta shape will work. Just make sure to choose a pasta that will hold the sauce well.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can! In fact, this dish tastes even better the next day. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat it when you’re ready to eat.

Final Thoughts

This pasta with sausage and peppers is more than just a recipe – it’s a taste of home, a connection to my family’s history, and a reminder of the simple pleasures in life. It’s a dish that’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and always a crowd-pleaser. I truly believe that everyone should have this recipe in their repertoire. If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like my recipes for lasagna, baked ziti, or spaghetti and meatballs. Happy cooking! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out – leave a comment and let me know what you think!