If you love hearty, flavorful dishes that come together quickly and satisfy every time, you are going to adore this Sausage Pepper Pasta Recipe. It perfectly balances the spicy, savory notes of Italian sausage with the sweet crunch of fresh bell peppers and the comforting embrace of tender penne pasta. This dish is vibrant, colorful, and packed with layers of taste that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe brings warmth and joy in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Sausage Pepper Pasta Recipe is its simplicity and the powerful flavors that come from just a handful of ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in making this dish a standout—pastas for comforting texture, sausage for boldness, peppers and onions for sweetness and crunch, and tomatoes to tie it all together with a rich, saucy finish.
- 16 ounces penne pasta: The perfect pasta shape to catch all the delicious sauce in every bite.
- Salt for water: Essential to season the pasta as it cooks and enhance the overall flavor.
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage: Provides the dish with its savory, spicy backbone.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Adds a sweet, slightly tangy crunch and vibrant color.
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced: Brings a mild sweetness and balances the dish visually.
- 1 onion, diced: Offers a subtle bite and depth of flavor when sautéed.
- 2 15-ounce cans diced tomatoes: Create a juicy, rich sauce base with a touch of acidity.
- 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend to elevate the overall flavor profile.
- Parmesan cheese for topping: Adds a salty, nutty finish to every serving.
How to Make Sausage Pepper Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a generous pinch of salt to season the pasta as it cooks. Toss in the penne and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, remember to scoop out and reserve a cup of the starchy pasta water—it’s a little secret that will help bring your sauce together later.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
While waiting for the pasta water to boil, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground Italian sausage and cook it until it’s mostly browned and no longer pink, about 6 minutes. This step is key for developing those rich, savory flavors. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
Step 3: Sauté the Onions
Next, add the diced onions directly into the skillet with the sausage. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the onions start to soften and become translucent. This subtle sweetness from the onions will perfectly complement the sausage and peppers in the final dish.
Step 4: Add Peppers, Tomatoes, and Seasoning
Now it’s time to introduce the colorful bell peppers, canned diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything well and let it simmer for 8 to 10 minutes. This allows the peppers to soften but still retain a slight bite, and the flavors to meld into a rich, aromatic sauce.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Drain the pasta and return it to the large pot. Pour the sausage and pepper mixture from the skillet over the pasta and stir everything together. If the sauce feels too thick or dry, gradually add the reserved pasta water—about 1/4 cup at a time—until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency. Don’t forget to finish with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for that irresistible cheesy touch before serving.
How to Serve Sausage Pepper Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
While the Parmesan cheese is the star garnish, you can also add freshly chopped parsley or basil for a fresh, herbaceous pop. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can add an elegant finish or a little heat if you want to kick it up a notch.
Side Dishes
This sausage pepper pasta pairs beautifully with simple sides. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can cut through the richness, while garlic bread or warm focaccia offers something perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce. Roasted vegetables also make a wonderful, colorful accompaniment.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve this pasta in individual shallow bowls with a mound of freshly grated Parmesan. You can also sprinkle some toasted pine nuts on top for added crunch and a touch of elegance. Another idea is to layer the pasta in a casserole dish and bake it briefly with extra cheese melted on top for a comforting twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sausage Pepper Pasta Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce and pasta mixed together to prevent it from drying out, and add a splash of water or broth before reheating if it looks too thick.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked pasta and sausage pepper mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To keep the best texture, avoid freezing with cheese on top; add fresh Parmesan after reheating. Thaw overnight in the fridge before warming it up.
Reheating
The best way to reheat this dish is gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a little reserved pasta water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Alternatively, a microwave works well; just stir halfway through heating to ensure even warmth and a delicious, fresh-from-the-kitchen taste.
FAQs
Can I use different types of sausage in this recipe?
Absolutely! While ground Italian sausage is classic, you can switch it up with spicy chorizo, turkey sausage for a leaner option, or even plant-based sausage for a vegetarian twist.
What if I don’t have penne pasta? What are good substitutes?
Any pasta shape that holds sauce well works beautifully here—rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle would all be fantastic alternatives.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Definitely! Just use gluten-free pasta, which is widely available. Make sure to check that your sausage and canned tomatoes don’t contain any gluten additives.
How spicy is this Sausage Pepper Pasta Recipe?
Its heat level depends on the sausage you choose and any additional seasonings. The dish can be mild if you use sweet Italian sausage, or spicier if you choose hot sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time for a quick meal?
Yes! You can cook and combine the sausage and pepper sauce a day ahead and reheat it when ready. Just boil the pasta fresh to avoid it becoming mushy.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage Pepper Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll find yourself craving time and again because it’s easy, flavorful, and truly comforting. It brings together the best of Italian-inspired home cooking with simple ingredients that deliver mighty satisfaction. So grab your skillet, call friends or family, and enjoy a bowl of this savory, colorful pasta that’s bound to brighten any dinner table.
Print
Sausage Pepper Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A flavorful and hearty sausage pepper pasta featuring ground Italian sausage, vibrant bell peppers, and a rich tomato sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked penne and topped with Parmesan cheese. This easy one-pot meal comes together quickly, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 16 ounces penne pasta
- Salt for boiling water
Sausage and Vegetables:
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, diced
Sauce and Seasoning:
- 2 (15-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
- 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
- Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add a generous pinch of salt, then add the penne pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water and then drain the pasta.
- Cook the Sausage: While waiting for the water to boil, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until most of the pink is gone, about 6 minutes. Drain excess fat from the skillet.
- Sauté Onions: Add the diced onions to the skillet with the cooked sausage. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the onions become slightly tender and translucent.
- Add Peppers and Tomatoes: Stir in the sliced red and yellow bell peppers, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Cook this mixture for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peppers have softened and the flavors meld together.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Return the drained pasta to the large pot. Transfer the sausage and pepper mixture from the skillet into the pot with the pasta. Stir everything together to combine well. If the pasta looks dry or lacks sufficient sauce, add reserved pasta water 1/4 cup at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and top generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- Reserve pasta cooking water to adjust sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
- Use fresh Italian seasoning or dried for best flavor.
- For a spicier version, use spicy Italian sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes.
- Parmesan cheese is recommended for topping but can be omitted for a dairy-free option.
- Make sure to drain excess fat from the sausage to keep the dish from being greasy.
