Pasta with Sausage and Sweet Peppers

Savor the comforting flavors of Pasta with Sausage and Sweet Peppers—a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. This recipe combines al dente pasta, savory Italian sausage, and a vibrant medley of sweet bell peppers sautéed with onions and garlic. The rich tomato-based sauce, infused with oregano and a hint of spice from optional red pepper flakes, melds beautifully with the pasta, creating a dish bursting with robust flavor. Fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese provide the perfect finishing touches, adding freshness and creaminess to every bite. Easy to prepare in just 45 minutes, this one-pan wonder is a satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz dry pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, casings removed)
• 2 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), thinly sliced
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 14-oz can crushed tomatoes
• 0.5 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 0 to taste salt
• 0 to taste black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the rest. Set the pasta aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the cooked sausage and set aside on a plate.

Step 3

In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers and onion. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, chicken or vegetable broth, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 6

Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and mix well. Let the sauce simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 7

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sausage and peppers. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.

Step 8

Stir in the fresh basil leaves and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well.

Step 9

Serve the pasta hot, garnished with the remaining Parmesan cheese. Add additional fresh basil or a drizzle of olive oil, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1966.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3317.1

Total Fat 162.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 54.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 357.5mg	0%
Sodium 7238.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 323.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 28.3g	0%
Total Sugars 47.9g
Protein 140.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 830.0mg	0%
Iron 17.9mg	0%
Potassium 3822.9mg	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: 44.1%

Protein: 16.9%

Carbs: 38.9%