Description
A delicious and hearty Sweet Pepper and Sausage Pasta made with tender Italian sausage, colorful bell peppers, and aromatic herbs. This easy-to-make dish combines sautéed vegetables and savory sausage with perfectly cooked pasta, finished with fresh basil and optional Parmesan cheese for a comforting meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz pasta (such as penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti)
Meat
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set aside for later use in the sauce.
- Cook the Sausage: While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and start to caramelize.
- Combine the Ingredients: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the chicken broth, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir well and let simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Toss the Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss with the sausage and vegetable mixture. Use reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy this flavorful meal.
Notes
- Use mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on your heat preference.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency for a silky texture.
- Fresh herbs can be substituted with dried, though fresh provides better flavor.
- Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a nice savory finish.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
