Sausage Penne and Peppers

Bursting with bold flavors and vibrant colors, Sausage Penne and Peppers is a hearty Italian-inspired dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. This recipe combines tender penne pasta with savory Italian sausage, an aromatic trio of bell peppers, and a rich, herb-infused tomato sauce. The addition of garlic, onion, and a hint of red pepper flakes offers a tantalizing kick, while a sprinkle of grated parmesan and fresh parsley adds the perfect finishing touch. Ready in just 45 minutes, this easy one-pan meal delivers restaurant-quality comfort with minimal effort. Whether you choose mild or spicy sausage, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings authentic flavor to your table. Perfect for pasta lovers searching for a quick and delicious dinner idea!

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 0.5 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 0.5 cups parmesan cheese, grated (for serving)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6–7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3

In the same skillet, add the red, yellow, and green bell peppers along with the onion. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the onion is translucent.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 5

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 6

Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir to combine. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 7

Toss the cooked penne pasta into the skillet with the sausage, peppers, and sauce. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly.

Step 8

Serve hot, garnished with grated parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2163.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3642.8

Total Fat 176.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 63.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 391.6mg	0%
Sodium 8914.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 337.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 34.0g	0%
Total Sugars 48.6g
Protein 177.4g	0%

Vitamin D 47.6IU	0%
Calcium 1705.5mg	0%
Iron 26.8mg	0%
Potassium 5296.4mg	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: 43.6%

Protein: 19.4%

Carbs: 37.0%