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
Scale
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.
