Sausage Peppers Pasta: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Sausage peppers pasta: the ultimate weeknight comfort food that’s ready in under 30 minutes and bursting with flavor! Forget complicated recipes and endless chopping; this dish is all about simplicity and satisfaction. I remember my Nonna making a version of this every Sunday, the aroma of sizzling sausage and sweet peppers filling her tiny kitchen. It was a dish born from humble ingredients, a celebration of Italian-American resourcefulness that transformed simple staples into something truly special.

While the exact origins are debated, sausage peppers pasta is undeniably a cornerstone of Italian-American cuisine. It represents a beautiful fusion of Old World traditions and New World ingredients. What’s not to love? The savory, slightly spicy Italian sausage perfectly complements the sweetness of the bell peppers, all tossed together with perfectly cooked pasta and a light, flavorful sauce. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that’s both comforting and exciting. People adore this dish because it’s quick, easy to customize, and incredibly delicious. Whether you’re feeding a family or just yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. So, let’s get cooking and bring a little taste of Italy (and my Nonna’s kitchen) to your table!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot, your preference), casings removed
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 bell peppers (any color, or a mix), thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 pound pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
• 1/4 cup pasta water, reserved

Preparing the Sausage and Vegetables:

1. Get started by browning the sausage. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 7-10 minutes. Make sure to crumble the sausage well so you don’t have large chunks.
2. Remove the sausage. Once the sausage is browned, remove it from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set it aside in a bowl. Leave any rendered fat in the skillet – this will add flavor to the vegetables.
3. Sauté the onions and peppers. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. Don’t rush this step – allowing the vegetables to caramelize will add a depth of flavor to the sauce. If the pan seems dry, add a little more olive oil.
4. Add the garlic. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. Stir constantly to prevent burning.

Making the Sauce:

1. Combine the sauce ingredients. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remember, you can always add more seasoning later, so start with a smaller amount and adjust as needed.
2. Simmer the sauce. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 20 minutes, or up to an hour. The longer the sauce simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Add the sausage back in. Return the browned sausage to the skillet with the sauce. Stir to combine and continue to simmer for another 10-15 minutes, allowing the sausage to infuse its flavor into the sauce.
4. Taste and adjust. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, oregano, basil, or red pepper flakes to suit your taste. A pinch of sugar can also help balance the acidity of the tomatoes, if needed.

Cooking the Pasta:

1. Cook the pasta. While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to package directions. Be sure to salt the pasta water generously – this will help season the pasta from the inside out. I usually add about a tablespoon of salt per gallon of water.
2. Reserve pasta water. Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta water. This starchy water can be used to help thicken the sauce and create a creamy emulsion.
3. Drain the pasta. Drain the pasta well in a colander.

Combining and Serving:

1. Combine pasta and sauce. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sausage and pepper sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
2. Add pasta water (if needed). If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out and create a creamier consistency. Toss well to combine.
3. Stir in Parmesan cheese. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. This will add a rich, cheesy flavor to the dish.
4. Serve immediately. Serve the sausage and peppers pasta immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves (if desired) and extra grated Parmesan cheese. A side of crusty bread is also a great addition for soaking up the delicious sauce.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: For a spicier dish, use hot Italian sausage and add more red pepper flakes to the sauce. You could also add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the sauce, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. Add them along with the onions and peppers.
• Use different pasta: Penne and rigatoni are classic choices for this dish, but you can use any pasta shape you like. Farfalle (bow tie pasta) and fusilli (spiral pasta) also work well.
• Make it creamy: For a creamier sauce, stir in a dollop of heavy cream or mascarpone cheese at the end.
• Add wine: For a richer flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of dry red or white wine after cooking the vegetables. Let the wine reduce slightly before adding the tomatoes.
• Make it vegetarian: Substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage or omit it altogether. You can add more vegetables to compensate for the lack of meat.
• Slow Cooker Option: You can easily adapt this recipe for the slow cooker. Brown the sausage and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Add the remaining sauce ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Cook the pasta separately and add it to the slow cooker just before serving.
• Freezing Instructions: This pasta dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Instructions: Reheat the pasta dish in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent it from drying out. You can also reheat it in the microwave.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with a side salad for a complete meal. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a great complement to the rich pasta dish.
• Pair with garlic bread or crusty bread for dipping in the sauce.
• Serve with a glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or oregano in addition to basil.

Enjoy!

Conclusion:

This sausage peppers pasta recipe isn’t just another weeknight meal; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! The combination of savory Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, and perfectly cooked pasta, all coated in a vibrant tomato sauce, creates a symphony of tastes and textures that will leave you craving more. It’s quick, easy, and satisfying – everything you could want in a go-to dinner. But what truly makes this recipe a must-try is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different types of sausage. Spicy Italian sausage will add a kick, while sweet Italian sausage offers a more mellow flavor. You can also play around with the peppers. I love using a mix of red, yellow, and orange bell peppers for a colorful and slightly sweet profile, but green bell peppers work just as well and add a touch of bitterness that complements the other ingredients beautifully. Looking for serving suggestions? This sausage peppers pasta is fantastic on its own, but it’s also delicious served with a side of crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta. For a more substantial meal, consider adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or a dollop of ricotta cheese on top. And the variations are endless! If you’re a fan of mushrooms, sauté some sliced mushrooms with the peppers and onions for an earthy depth of flavor. A pinch of red pepper flakes will add a touch of heat. For a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end. You could even add some chopped fresh basil or parsley for a burst of freshness. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own! That’s the beauty of cooking – it’s all about experimenting and finding what you love. I’ve made this dish countless times, and I’m always discovering new ways to tweak it and make it even better. I truly believe that this sausage peppers pasta will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or even a special occasion. It’s also a great way to use up any leftover vegetables you have in the fridge. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, put on some music, and get cooking! I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. And more importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try any variations? What did you think of the flavor? What did your family and friends say? Please, don’t hesitate to share your thoughts and feedback in the comments below. I’m always eager to learn from my readers and see how they’ve adapted my recipes to suit their own tastes. Your comments not only help me improve my recipes but also inspire other cooks to try new things. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear all about your sausage peppers pasta adventures! Let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll do my best to answer them. Enjoy! Print