Penne with Italian Sausage and Peppers

Savor the vibrant flavors of Italy with this hearty Penne with Italian Sausage and Peppers recipe! Featuring tender penne pasta tossed in a rich, aromatic tomato-based sauce, this dish is layered with sautéed bell peppers, onions, and perfectly seasoned Italian sausage, offering a delicious balance of savory and sweet. Enhanced with classic Italian herbs like oregano and basil, and finished with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, this comforting pasta dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Topped with fresh parsley and a generous dusting of Parmesan cheese, it’s as satisfying to the eyes as it is to the palate. Ready in just 45 minutes, this easy-to-follow recipe is a must-try for pasta lovers craving an authentic Italian twist!

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 4 links Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 bell peppers (mixed colors, sliced)
• 1 yellow onion (sliced)
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 1 can crushed tomatoes (canned, 28 oz)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese (grated, for serving)
• 0 as needed water (for boiling pasta)
• 1 tbsp salt (for boiling pasta)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.

Step 2

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage links and cook until browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from the skillet and slice into 1/2-inch pieces. Return the sliced sausage to the skillet and continue cooking until fully cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 3

In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced bell peppers and onion and sauté for about 5-6 minutes, or until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.

Step 4

Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine.

Step 5

Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.

Step 6

Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to combine with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 7

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2201.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3099.6

Total Fat 140.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 50.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 295.2mg	0%
Sodium 14704.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 323.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 26.8g	0%
Total Sugars 39.5g
Protein 147.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1565.3mg	0%
Iron 22.2mg	0%
Potassium 3671.9mg	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: 40.3%

Protein: 18.7%

Carbs: 41.0%