Penne with Sausage and Peppers

Introduction

Penne with Sausage and Peppers is a hearty, flavorful Italian-American pasta dish that combines spicy or sweet Italian sausage, tender bell peppers, onions, and al dente penne pasta in a savory tomato-based sauce. This classic comfort dish is inspired by the iconic Italian-American street food but elevated into a full pasta meal, making it both satisfying and versatile.

The beauty of this recipe is in its balance of flavors and textures: the bold, slightly smoky sausage pairs perfectly with the sweetness of bell peppers and onions, all tossed with penne pasta in a rich, flavorful sauce. It’s a dish that’s both rustic and elegant, making it perfect for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or weeknight meals that impress.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love Penne with Sausage and Peppers because it is comforting, filling, and packed with flavor. The combination of tender sausage, sweet and slightly charred peppers, and perfectly cooked pasta creates a harmony of textures and tastes. The tomato-based sauce ties everything together, adding a hint of acidity that balances the richness of the sausage.

This dish is also versatile and forgiving—you can use mild or spicy sausage depending on your preference, add extra vegetables for nutrition, or tweak the seasoning to taste. Every bite is satisfying, making it a go-to meal when you want something hearty and delicious without too much fuss.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Penne with Sausage and Peppers is a must-try because:

• Hearty and flavorful: Sausage and peppers create a bold, satisfying taste.
• Quick and approachable: Ready in under 35 minutes with simple ingredients.
• Versatile: Can be customized with different types of sausage, peppers, or sauces.
• Family-friendly: Loved by both adults and kids alike.
• Classic comfort food: Offers the perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and pasta.

If you love savory, one-pot pasta dishes with bold flavors, this recipe is essential.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~650 calories per serving
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

For the Pasta

• 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
• Salt, for pasta water

For the Sausage and Peppers

• 1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy), sliced or crumbled
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Sauce

• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes or 1 ½ cups marinara sauce
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp dried basil
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Cook the Penne:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Cook penne according to package instructions until al dente.
   • Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
2. Cook the Sausage:
   • Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
   • Add sausage and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil.
   • Sauté onions and bell peppers for 5–6 minutes until softened.
   • Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Combine Sauce:
   • Add diced tomatoes or marinara sauce to the skillet with vegetables.
   • Stir in oregano and basil. Simmer for 5 minutes to combine flavors.
5. Combine Sausage, Vegetables, and Pasta:
   • Return cooked sausage to the skillet.
   • Add cooked penne and toss to coat evenly.
   • Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
6. Finish and Serve:
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
   • Garnish with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired.

How to Serve

• Serve hot on plates or in bowls.
• Pair with garlic bread, a green salad, or roasted vegetables.
• Sprinkle extra Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor.

Recipe Tips

• Use fresh bell peppers for the best sweetness and texture.
• Brown sausage well to develop deeper flavor.
• Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
• Slice sausage thinly for faster cooking and even distribution.

Variations

1. Spicy Sausage Version: Use hot Italian sausage and increase red pepper flakes.
2. Vegetable-Loaded: Add zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition.
3. Cheesy Version: Stir in mozzarella or provolone cheese for a melty texture.
4. Creamy Option: Add ¼ cup heavy cream for a richer sauce.
5. Turkey or Chicken Sausage: Swap pork sausage for a leaner protein.

Freezing and Storage

• Cooked Pasta: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Sauce with Sausage and Peppers: Store separately for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze sausage and pepper mixture (without pasta) for up to 1 month. Thaw before reheating and combining with freshly cooked pasta.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet for cooking sausage, peppers, and sauce
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Grater for Parmesan cheese

Conclusion

Penne with Sausage and Peppers is a hearty, flavorful, and satisfying pasta dish that combines the boldness of Italian sausage with the sweetness of bell peppers in a rich, savory sauce. Quick enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough for casual entertaining, this dish is a must-try comfort food classic that will delight both family and guests alike.

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Penne with Sausage and Peppers

Author: admin Cuisine: American, Italian Courses: Pasta

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 25 mins Total Time 35 mins

Servings: 4 Calories: 650 calories per serving

Description

Penne with Sausage and Peppers is a hearty, flavorful Italian-American pasta dish that combines spicy or sweet Italian sausage, tender bell peppers, onions, and al dente penne pasta in a savory tomato-based sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Pasta

• 12 oz (340 g)
• Salt, for pasta water

For the Sausage and Peppers

• 1 lb (450 g)
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Sauce

• 1 can (14 oz)
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp dried basil
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Penne: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
2. Cook the Sausage: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil. Sauté onions and bell peppers for 5–6 minutes until softened. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Combine Sauce: Add diced tomatoes or marinara sauce to the skillet with vegetables. Stir in oregano and basil. Simmer for 5 minutes to combine flavors.
5. Combine Sausage, Vegetables, and Pasta: Return cooked sausage to the skillet. Add cooked penne and toss to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
6. Finish and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired.

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