New recipes straight to your inbox Follow on Pinterest
Hostrecipes

Sausage And Pepper Pasta

10 servings
Sausage And Pepper Pasta
One-Pot

Sausage And Pepper Pasta

Prep20 min
Cook25 min
Total45 min
Serves4
Sausage And Pepper Pasta
Savory Sausage And Pepper Pasta

I still remember the first time I had Sausage And Pepper Pasta at my grandmother's house. The combination of tender sausage, sweet peppers, and al dente pasta in a rich, savory sauce was love at first bite. As I grew older, I learned to make this dish from scratch, and it has become a staple in my household. In this recipe, I'll guide you through the process of creating this comforting Italian-American classic.

The key to a great Sausage And Pepper Pasta is using high-quality ingredients and cooking the pasta just right. You want the pasta to be al dente, which means it should still have a bit of bite to it. This is achieved by cooking the pasta for a minute or two less than the package instructions and then finishing it in the sauce.

In this recipe, we'll be using sweet Italian sausage, which is milder than hot Italian sausage and has a more delicate flavor. We'll also be using a combination of bell peppers and onions, which add a natural sweetness to the dish. The sauce is made with a combination of canned tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken broth, which gives it a rich, depth of flavor.

This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, as it can be made in under an hour and serves four to six people. It's also a great dish to make for a crowd, as it can be easily doubled or tripled. So, let's get started and make some delicious Sausage And Pepper Pasta!

One of the things I love about this recipe is that it's very versatile. You can customize it to your taste by adding different types of peppers or using different types of sausage. You can also serve it with a variety of sides, such as garlic bread or a green salad. The possibilities are endless, and I'm excited to share this recipe with you.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
  • It's a comforting, satisfying dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner.
  • The combination of sausage, peppers, and onions creates a depth of flavor that's hard to achieve with a single ingredient.
  • The dish is very versatile and can be customized to your taste.
  • It's a great recipe for a crowd, as it can be easily doubled or tripled.
  • The sauce is made with a combination of canned tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken broth, which gives it a rich, depth of flavor.
  • The recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a casual dinner with friends.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great Sausage And Pepper Pasta is the combination of flavors and textures. The sweet Italian sausage adds a meaty, savory flavor, while the bell peppers and onions add a natural sweetness. The sauce, made with canned tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken broth, gives the dish a rich, depth of flavor.

The cooking technique is also important. By cooking the pasta just until it's al dente and then finishing it in the sauce, we create a dish that's both comforting and flavorful. The starches in the pasta help to thicken the sauce, creating a creamy, velvety texture that coats the pasta perfectly.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the use of layering flavors. By cooking the sausage and peppers in a bit of oil before adding the sauce, we create a depth of flavor that's hard to achieve with a single ingredient. The onions and garlic, sautéed until they're soft and fragrant, add a pungency to the dish that complements the sweetness of the peppers.

Finally, the resting time is crucial. By letting the pasta rest for a few minutes before serving, we allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken, creating a dish that's both satisfying and delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious Sausage And Pepper Pasta, you'll need a few simple ingredients. The key is to use high-quality ingredients, such as sweet Italian sausage and fresh bell peppers. You'll also need some basic pantry staples, such as olive oil, garlic, and onion.

When shopping for the ingredients, look for sweet Italian sausage that's made with pork and has a mild flavor. You can also use hot Italian sausage if you prefer a spicier dish. For the peppers, choose bell peppers that are firm and have a bright color. You can use any color bell pepper you like, but red and green peppers work particularly well in this recipe.

  • 1 lb (450g) sweet Italian sausage, casings removedLook for sweet Italian sausage that's made with pork and has a mild flavor. You can also use hot Italian sausage if you prefer a spicier dish.
  • 2 large bell peppers, slicedChoose bell peppers that are firm and have a bright color. You can use any color bell pepper you like, but red and green peppers work particularly well in this recipe.
  • 1 large onion, slicedUse a sweet onion, such as a Vidalia or a Maui onion, for the best flavor.
  • 3 cloves garlic, mincedMince the garlic just before using it to release its natural oils and flavor.
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoesLook for crushed tomatoes that are made with San Marzano tomatoes for the best flavor.
  • 2 tbsp olive oilUse a high-quality olive oil that has a mild flavor and a smooth texture.
  • 1 tsp dried basilUse dried basil that's fresh and has a bright, herbaceous flavor.
  • 1 tsp dried oreganoUse dried oregano that's fresh and has a pungent, earthy flavor.
  • 1/2 tsp saltUse kosher salt or sea salt for the best flavor.
  • 1/4 tsp black pepperUse freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor.
  • 12 oz (340g) pasta, such as penne or rigatoniUse a high-quality pasta that's made with durum wheat semolina and has a rough texture to hold the sauce.
  • 1 cup chicken brothUse low-sodium chicken broth to avoid adding too much salt to the dish.
Ingredients for Sausage And Pepper Pasta

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or sauté panSharp chef's knifeCutting boardInstant-read thermometerColander or strainerLarge serving bowl

How to Make Sausage And Pepper Pasta

  1. 1
    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it's al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
  2. 2
    In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onion and cook until it's translucent and starting to caramelize, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. 3
    Add the sliced bell peppers to the skillet and cook until they're tender and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. 4
    Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
  5. 5
    Add the sweet Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until the sausage is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
  6. 6
    Add the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer.
  7. 7
    Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together.
  8. 8
    Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water.
  9. 9
    Let the pasta rest for 2-3 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.
  10. 10
    Serve the pasta hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of parsley if desired.
  11. 11
    Offer additional grated cheese and a side of garlic bread or a green salad, if desired.

Expert Tips

  • Use high-quality ingredients, such as sweet Italian sausage and fresh bell peppers, for the best flavor.
  • Don't overcook the pasta - it should be al dente and still have a bit of bite to it.
  • Let the sauce simmer for at least 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.
  • Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to combine, rather than serving the sauce over the pasta.
  • Let the pasta rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.
  • Offer additional grated cheese and a side of garlic bread or a green salad, if desired.
  • Consider using different types of peppers or sausage to customize the recipe to your taste.
  • Make the recipe ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later use.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overcooking the pasta, which can make it mushy and unappetizing.
  • Not letting the sauce simmer long enough, which can result in a thin, flavorless sauce.
  • Not using high-quality ingredients, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish.
  • Not reserving pasta water, which can make the sauce too thick and sticky.
  • Not letting the pasta rest before serving, which can result in a sauce that's too thin and watery.
  • Not serving the pasta hot, which can affect the texture and flavor of the dish.

Variations and Substitutions

  • Use different types of peppers, such as red or yellow bell peppers, for a varied flavor and texture.
  • Add other ingredients, such as mushrooms or cherry tomatoes, to the sauce for added flavor and nutrition.
  • Use different types of sausage, such as hot Italian sausage or Chorizo, for a spicier flavor.
  • Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick of heat.
  • Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version of the recipe.
  • Make the recipe ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later use.
  • Serve the pasta with a side of garlic bread or a green salad for a complete meal.

What to Serve With Sausage And Pepper Pasta

Serve the Sausage And Pepper Pasta hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of parsley if desired. Offer additional grated cheese and a side of garlic bread or a green salad, if desired.

Consider serving the pasta with a variety of sides, such as a green salad, roasted vegetables, or a crusty loaf of bread. The pasta is also delicious served with a side of marinara sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.

Garlic breadGreen saladRoasted vegetablesCrusty loaf of breadMarinara sauceRed pepper flakes

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

The Sausage And Pepper Pasta can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen for later use. To refrigerate, let the pasta cool to room temperature, then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

To freeze, let the pasta cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat the pasta in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a bit of water or broth if necessary to prevent drying out.

When reheating the pasta, make sure to heat it until it's hot and steaming, then let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.

The pasta can also be frozen in individual portions, making it easy to thaw and reheat a single serving as needed. Simply transfer the desired amount of pasta to an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze until solid, then reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of pasta is best for this recipe?

A high-quality pasta made with durum wheat semolina, such as penne or rigatoni, is best for this recipe. The rough texture of the pasta helps to hold the sauce.

Can I use different types of peppers?

Yes, you can use different types of peppers, such as red or yellow bell peppers, for a varied flavor and texture.

How long can I store the pasta in the refrigerator?

The pasta can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it cool to room temperature, then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate.

Can I freeze the pasta?

Yes, the pasta can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze.

How do I reheat the pasta?

Reheat the pasta in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a bit of water or broth if necessary to prevent drying out. Make sure to heat it until it's hot and steaming, then let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Can I make the recipe ahead of time?

Yes, the recipe can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen for later use. Simply let the pasta cool to room temperature, then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate or freeze.

What type of sausage is best for this recipe?

Sweet Italian sausage is best for this recipe, but you can also use hot Italian sausage or Chorizo for a spicier flavor.

Can I add other ingredients to the sauce?

Yes, you can add other ingredients, such as mushrooms or cherry tomatoes, to the sauce for added flavor and nutrition.

The Full Recipe
Recipe Card
Sausage And Pepper Pasta

Sausage And Pepper Pasta

Learn to make a classic Italian-American Sausage And Pepper Pasta dish from scratch, with tender sausage, sweet peppers, and al dente pasta in a rich, savory sauce.

Prep20 min
Cook25 min
Total45 min
Serves4
Pin Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 lb (450g) sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 2 large bell peppers, sliced
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 12 oz (340g) pasta, such as penne or rigatoni
  • 1 cup chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it's al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
  2. In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onion and cook until it's translucent and starting to caramelize, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add the sliced bell peppers to the skillet and cook until they're tender and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
  5. Add the sweet Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until the sausage is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
  6. Add the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer.
  7. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together.
  8. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water.
  9. Let the pasta rest for 2-3 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.
  10. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of parsley if desired.
  11. Offer additional grated cheese and a side of garlic bread or a green salad, if desired.

Nutrition (per serving, approximate)

550Calories
35gProtein
60gCarbs
20gFat