Zesty Sweet Pepper & Sausage Pasta Recipe for Cozy Nights

Peppers sizzle and sausage dances in this mouthwatering spicy sweet pepper and sausage pasta recipe that promises to ignite your taste buds.

Robust Italian sausage brings depth and richness to every twirl of pasta.

Vibrant bell peppers add a splash of color and sweet heat to the dish.

Layers of flavor build with each carefully selected ingredient, creating a symphony of tastes.

Chili flakes provide an extra kick that transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade with this simple yet impressive pasta creation.

Prepare to savor every single bite of this crowd-pleasing recipe that comes together in less than 30 minutes.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 500 kcal

Servings: 5

Everything You Need For Sweet Pepper And Sausage Pasta

• Penne Pasta: Provides hearty foundation for the dish, choose high-quality durum wheat variety for best texture.

• Italian Sausage: Delivers rich, savory flavor profile, select fresh ground sausage with balanced meat-to-fat ratio.

• Sweet Peppers, Onions: Bring colorful crunch and natural sweetness, pick firm peppers with bright, glossy skin.
• Garlic: Adds intense aromatic depth, choose plump, firm cloves without green sprouts.

• Diced Tomatoes: Creates juicy sauce base, opt for San Marzano variety for authentic Italian taste.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces gentle heat and complexity, adjust according to spice preference.

• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty notes, select freshly grated for maximum flavor.
• Fresh Herbs: Provides bright, clean garnish, choose vibrant green basil or parsley.

• Olive Oil: Enables smooth sautéing, use extra virgin for richer taste.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Balances and elevates overall dish seasoning, use freshly ground black pepper.

Tools For Sweet Pepper And Sausage Pasta

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta with plenty of room.
• Large skillet: Perfect for cooking sausage, vegetables, and combining ingredients.
• Wooden spoon: Great for breaking up sausage and stirring ingredients.
• Cutting board: Needed for slicing peppers, onions, and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Crucial for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients precisely.
• Colander: Used to drain pasta after cooking.
• Measuring spoons: Helpful for seasoning with salt and pepper.
• Cheese grater: Optional for freshly grating Parmesan cheese.

How To Cook Sweet Pepper And Sausage Pasta

• Boil Pasta Perfectly

Grab a big pot and fill it with salted water. Toss in your pasta and cook until it’s just right – tender but with a little bite. Once done, drain and set aside.

• Brown the Sausage

Heat up a large skillet with some olive oil. Crumble the sausage into the pan and cook until it’s nicely browned and fully cooked through.

• Sauté Colorful Vegetables

Toss in sliced sweet peppers and onions. Let them dance in the pan until they’re soft and slightly caramelized.

• Awaken the Garlic

Sprinkle in minced garlic and let it sizzle for a quick moment, releasing its amazing aroma.

• Create the Sauce

Pour in diced tomatoes and add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. Let everything simmer and mingle, developing rich flavors.

• Combine and Season

Mix the cooked pasta into the skillet, coating each noodle with the delicious sauce. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to bring out the flavors.

• Finish and Serve

Top with a generous handful of Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy. Serve hot and enjoy your mouthwatering meal!

Tips & Swaps For Sweet Pepper And Sausage Pasta

• Pasta Perfect Technique: Cook pasta just shy of package instructions for that ideal al dente texture that'll hold up beautifully when mixed with sauce.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat preference – from a gentle sprinkle for mild flavor to a bold dash for serious spice enthusiasts.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the sausage and vegetable mixture ahead of time and refrigerate, then quickly reheat and toss with fresh pasta when ready to serve for a speedy weeknight meal.
• Diet-Friendly Swaps: For gluten-free version, use chickpea or zucchini noodles; substitute plant-based sausage for vegetarian option; swap regular pasta for whole wheat to boost nutritional value.
• Flavor Boost Hack: Toast the garlic slightly longer to develop a deeper, nuttier taste that'll elevate the entire dish's complexity and aroma.

Ways To Serve Sweet Pepper And Sausage Pasta

• Party Platter Perfection: Create a vibrant buffet-style setup with the pasta as the centerpiece, surrounded by extra Parmesan, red pepper flakes, and fresh herbs for guests to customize their plates.
• Comfort Meal Companion: Pair this hearty pasta with a crisp green salad and crusty garlic bread to balance the rich flavors and add more texture to the meal.
• Wine and Dine Delight: Serve alongside a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Zinfandel, which complements the spicy sausage and sweet peppers beautifully.
• Leftover Magic: Transform remaining pasta into a delicious frittata or cold pasta salad by adding fresh vegetables and a light vinaigrette for a next-day lunch option.

Storage And Prep Tips For Sweet Pepper And Sausage Pasta

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the pasta fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Separate the herbs and cheese to prevent soggy texture and maintain optimal taste.
• Freezing Friendly Option: Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring maximum flavor retention when properly sealed.
• Reheating Magic Trick: Revive chilled pasta by adding a splash of water or broth while gently warming in a skillet. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and prevent drying, restoring the dish's original delicious consistency.
• Portion Planning Wisdom: Divide leftovers into individual serving sizes before refrigerating or freezing. This approach allows easy single-meal defrosting and reduces waste, making mealtime preparation effortless and convenient.

Spicy Sweet Pepper And Sausage Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty sweet pepper and sausage pasta delights dinner tables with robust Italian-inspired flavors. Spicy sausage, colorful peppers, and al dente pasta blend perfectly for a satisfying meal you’ll crave again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casing removed)
• 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne or rigatoni works great)
• 1 (14.5 oz/411 g) can diced tomatoes
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 orange bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Bring a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil. Submerge pasta and cook until perfectly al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. Sausage Sauté: Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Crumble sausage and cook until golden-brown and thoroughly done.
3. Vegetable Infusion: Add bell peppers and onions to the sausage-filled skillet. Sauté until vegetables soften and become translucent, releasing their natural sweetness.
4. Aromatic Enhancement: Introduce minced garlic, stirring quickly to prevent scorching. Allow garlic to release its fragrant oils for about one minute.
5. Sauce Development: Incorporate diced tomatoes and red pepper flakes. Reduce heat and simmer, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
6. Seasoning and Finishing: Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. Fold cooked pasta into the robust sauce, ensuring complete coverage.
7. Serving Flourish: Sprinkle generously with Parmesan cheese. Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs for a vibrant touch. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Choose Quality Sausage: Select fresh, high-quality Italian sausage for maximum flavor complexity and authentic taste.
• Control Pepper Heat: Adjust red pepper flakes based on spice tolerance; start with less and incrementally add for personalized heat level.
• Master Pasta Texture: Watch pasta closely during boiling to achieve perfect al dente consistency – typically 1-2 minutes less than package instructions.
• Balance Vegetable Cooking: Sauté bell peppers and onions until just softened to maintain slight crispness and prevent mushiness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg