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Savory Sausage and Peppers Pasta Recipe Easy Homemade Dinner Idea

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A quick and easy savory sausage and peppers pasta dish that combines caramelized bell peppers, Italian sausage, and al dente pasta for a comforting, flavorful meal perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound Italian sausage links (sweet or spicy)
  • 3 medium bell peppers (red, yellow, and green), sliced into thin strips
  • 1 medium yellow onion, sliced thinly
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes (240 ml)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (120 ml)
  • 12 ounces dry pasta (penne or rigatoni)
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme mix)
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving
  • Fresh basil, roughly chopped for garnish

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces (340g) of pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually 9-11 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup (120 ml) of pasta water.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove casing from 1 pound (450g) of Italian sausage links and crumble the meat into the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
  3. Add sliced onions and bell peppers to the skillet with the sausage fat. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly caramelized, about 8 minutes. Add 3 minced garlic cloves during the last minute to avoid burning.
  4. Stir in 1 cup (240 ml) crushed tomatoes and 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth into the peppers and onions. Add 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using. Simmer gently for 5 minutes, letting flavors meld and sauce thicken slightly.
  5. Return cooked sausage to the skillet and stir to combine. Toss in the drained pasta, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce feels too thick. Stir gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
  6. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Remove from heat and sprinkle with freshly chopped basil and freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. Add garlic last minute to prevent bitterness. For a crunchier pepper texture, add peppers later in the sauté step. A splash of red wine with tomatoes adds depth. Use turkey sausage for a leaner option or gluten-free pasta if needed. Skip Parmesan or use plant-based cheese for dairy-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: sausage pasta, peppers pasta, Italian sausage recipe, easy pasta dinner, family dinner, quick pasta recipe, savory pasta, sausage and peppers

Find it online: https://evabakery.com/savory-sausage-and-peppers-pasta-recipe-easy-homemade-dinner-idea/