Let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of sausage and peppers pasta to make the day feel a little brighter! This dish is like a comforting hug in a bowl, with savory Italian sausage mingling with sweet bell peppers and a tangy tomato sauce that just sings. I love how hearty and satisfying it is—perfect for a cozy dinner after a long day or to impress friends at a weekend gathering. The colors alone will have you drooling before you even take a bite! Plus, it’s super simple to whip up, which means you’ll have more time to enjoy that first delicious forkful. Trust me, this is a meal you’ll want to make again and again!
Ingredients List
- 8 oz pasta (your choice of shape)
- 2 Italian sausages (sweet or spicy, based on your taste)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Sausage and Peppers Pasta
Alright, let’s dive into making this delicious sausage and peppers pasta! I promise it’s easier than you might think, and the smell that fills your kitchen will have everyone flocking to the table. So, grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. This is where you’ll cook your pasta. Once boiling, add in the 8 oz of pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. You want it just right, so it’ll hold up beautifully when mixed with the sauce.
- While the pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s hot and shimmering, add in the sliced Italian sausages. Cook them until they’re nicely browned, about 5-7 minutes—this step really brings out all those rich flavors!
- Next, toss in the sliced red and green bell peppers, along with the sliced onion and minced garlic. Sauté everything together until the vegetables are tender and the garlic is fragrant, about 4-5 minutes. Wow, your kitchen is going to smell heavenly!
- Now it’s time to stir in the can of diced tomatoes and sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Let this simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing those flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Once your pasta is cooked, reserve a little pasta water (about half a cup) and then drain the rest. Add the pasta directly into the skillet with the sausage and pepper mixture. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed, to reach your desired sauce consistency.
- Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it one last good stir, and voila! It’s ready to serve hot. I love to plate it up with a sprinkle of grated cheese on top if you want to fancy it up a bit!
And that’s it! You’ve just created a hearty, flavorful dish that’s sure to impress. Enjoy every bite!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on the nutritional values for this delicious sausage and peppers pasta! Keep in mind, these are estimates based on the ingredients used, so your numbers may vary slightly depending on brands and specific ingredients. Each serving (about 1 cup) packs a hearty punch with approximately 450 calories, 20g of fat, 20g of protein, and 48g of carbohydrates. Plus, you’ll get 3g of fiber to keep things moving! It’s a comforting meal that satisfies without the guilt, making it perfect for any night of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and satisfying, perfect for a cozy dinner.
- Simple ingredients come together for a flavorful dish.
- Quick prep and cook time, ready in just 30 minutes!
- Customizable with your favorite pasta and spice levels.
- One-pan meal means less cleanup—win-win!
Tips for Success
To make your sausage and peppers pasta truly shine, here are a few handy tips! First, always cook your pasta al dente; it should have a slight bite to it so it holds up well in the sauce. Trust me, no one likes mushy pasta! Also, don’t skimp on seasoning—taste as you go! A pinch of salt and pepper can make a world of difference, so adjust to your liking. If your sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Lastly, feel free to let the flavors simmer a bit longer; it deepens that delicious taste. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Variations
Now, let’s get creative with your sausage and peppers pasta! You can switch up the type of sausage based on what you have on hand—try chicken sausage for a lighter option, or even a flavorful chorizo for a spicy kick! Feeling adventurous? Add more veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or even spinach for some extra nutrition and color. You can also play with the spice levels by using hot Italian sausage or adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for that extra heat. The beauty of this dish is that it’s super versatile, so don’t hesitate to mix and match your favorites!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! To store your delicious sausage and peppers pasta, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to save it for later, you can freeze it for up to 2 months—just make sure to use a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out. You’ll be savoring those tasty flavors all over again in no time!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your sausage and peppers pasta experience, consider pairing it with a fresh garden salad drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette. The crispness of the greens complements the hearty pasta beautifully! A warm, crusty garlic bread on the side is always a hit—perfect for sopping up that delicious sauce! And if you’re in the mood for a little indulgence, a glass of Chianti or a light white wine like Pinot Grigio would be the perfect accompaniment. Trust me, these simple sides will take your meal from great to absolutely unforgettable!
For more information on the health benefits of pasta, check out this Healthline article.
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Sausage and Peppers Pasta: 5 Steps to Amazing Flavor
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty dish combining sausage, bell peppers, and pasta in a savory sauce.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 2 Italian sausages
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add sliced sausages and cook until browned.
- Add bell peppers, onion, and garlic. Sauté until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in diced tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Combine cooked pasta with the sausage and pepper mixture.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Use any type of pasta you prefer.
- Adjust spice level by using spicy sausage.
- Can be topped with grated cheese if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: sausage and peppers pasta
