Pasta with Sausage and Peppers

Indulge in a comforting bowl of Pasta with Sausage and Peppers, a hearty Italian-inspired dish that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Tender penne or rigatoni is tossed in a rich, savory tomato sauce featuring sautéed Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, onions, and fragrant garlic, all seasoned with oregano and a touch of optional red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. This one-pan wonder is easy to prepare in just 45 minutes, making it a stress-free yet impressive meal. Serve it topped with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a dazzling finish. Perfectly balanced and deeply satisfying, this classic pasta recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb mild or spicy Italian sausage, casing removed
• 1 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 large yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 28 oz crushed tomatoes (canned)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

Step 3

Add the sausage to the skillet and break it into small pieces with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Step 4

In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers and onion. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.

Step 5

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 6

Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.

Step 7

Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and simmer the sauce over low heat for 10–15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce becomes too thick.

Step 8

Stir the cooked pasta into the skillet, tossing to coat the noodles evenly with the sauce.

Step 9

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2197.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2993.1

Total Fat 182.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 67.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 412.8mg	0%
Sodium 8498.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 199.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 28.7g	0%
Total Sugars 55.2g
Protein 144.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1606.6mg	0%
Iron 14.7mg	0%
Potassium 3813.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 54.4%

Protein: 19.2%

Carbs: 26.5%