Ready for an Italian-inspired comfort dish that’s vibrant, hearty, and irresistibly savory? Sausage Pepper Pasta is everything I crave in a weeknight dinner: juicy sausage, colorful bell peppers, al dente pasta, and a perfectly herby tomato sauce that clings to every bite. Let’s get you hooked on this easy, crowd-pleasing favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Vibrant & Satisfying: Colorful bell peppers and spicy Italian sausage make every bite of Sausage Pepper Pasta a flavor-packed adventure.
- Weeknight Easy: From start to finish, this skillet pasta comes together in under 30 minutes—perfect for any night!
- Crowd Pleaser: This dish effortlessly wins hearts at family dinners and potlucks alike, thanks to its comforting flavors and gorgeous presentation.
- Incredibly Adaptable: Satisfy picky eaters or adventurous palates with fun swaps, extra veggies, or your favorite pasta shape.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s nothing fussy here—just a handful of key ingredients that each play a big part in what makes this Sausage Pepper Pasta so lovable. A quick glance in your pantry and fridge, and you’re probably halfway there already!
- Penne pasta: Its tubular shape is perfect for holding onto the zesty sausage and tomato sauce in every bite.
- Salt: Used to season your pasta water for deep flavor right from the start.
- Ground Italian sausage: The star of the show—choose spicy or sweet, depending on your vibe!
- Red and yellow bell peppers: These add a juicy crunch, natural sweetness, and eye-popping color.
- Onion: For that mellow sweetness that forms the aromatic base of your sauce.
- Diced tomatoes (canned): Pantry magic! They create a luscious, tangy sauce in under 10 minutes.
- Italian seasoning: A quick way to add lots of herby, savory notes with zero effort.
- Parmesan cheese: A generous sprinkle ties everything together with that classic, nutty richness.
Variations
One of the best things about Sausage Pepper Pasta? How easy it is to customize! Feel free to get playful, swap ingredients, or tweak the seasoning so this dish fits your pantry, preferences, or dietary needs.
- Try a different sausage: Use chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter spin, or a plant-based version for a vegetarian-friendly dinner.
- Change up the veggies: Throw in mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for even more color and texture.
- Go saucy: Stir in a splash of cream or a bit of pesto for a richer, silkier sauce.
- Switch the pasta: Rigatoni or rotini both work beautifully—use your favorite shape.
How to Make Sausage Pepper Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook your penne pasta according to package directions until just al dente—firm, but not crunchy. Before draining, scoop out a cup of that starchy magic water to help bring everything together later!
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
While your pasta bubbles away, grab a large skillet and heat it over medium-high. Crumble in your Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up as you go, until most of the pink is gone—about six minutes. Drain off excess fat so your sauce is rich, not greasy.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
Toss the diced onions right in with your sausage and cook for a couple minutes until fragrant and softened—this is where the flavor magic really kicks off. Now add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers for that signature color and crunch!
Step 4: Create the Herby Tomato Sauce
Pour in the diced tomatoes (juice and all) and sprinkle with Italian seasoning. Let this mixture simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peppers are tender and the sauce has melded together into pure comfort.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Return your drained pasta to the pot, then spoon in that hearty sausage and pepper sauce. Give everything a big stir to combine. Need more sauciness? Add a splash or two of that reserved pasta water until it’s just the way you like it. Serve immediately—don’t forget a heavy shower of fresh Parmesan on top!
Pro Tips for Making Sausage Pepper Pasta
- Best Sausage Flavor: Choose a high-quality Italian sausage—spicy for a little kick, or sweet for mellower flavor; it makes a big difference!
- Reserve That Pasta Water: Don’t skip this step—the starchy water is the secret to silky, restaurant-style sauce that clings to the pasta perfectly.
- Peppers for Texture: Slice bell peppers a little thick if you love a crisp bite, or go thinner for super-soft peppers that melt into the sauce.
- Finishing Touch: Always add Parmesan cheese just before serving for the richest flavor and the best melt.
How to Serve Sausage Pepper Pasta
Garnishes
A flourish of freshly shaved Parmesan and a scatter of torn basil or flat-leaf parsley can make this Sausage Pepper Pasta look as inviting as it tastes. If you love a touch of heat, sprinkle on some red pepper flakes just before serving.
Side Dishes
This pasta begs for garlic bread or a warm baguette to soak up every last bit of the sauce. A simple green salad with a zingy vinaigrette balances the heartiness of the meal—and if you’re feeling fancy, a roasted veggie platter wouldn’t go amiss.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Sausage Pepper Pasta family-style in a big beautiful bowl, or spoon individual portions into rustic shallow dishes for true Italian trattoria vibes. For buffet gatherings, keep it warm in a slow cooker and top with bowls of extra cheese and fresh herbs for guests to customize.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the pasta cool completely and transfer to an airtight container. In the fridge, it’ll keep beautifully for 3–4 days—perfect for quick lunches or heat-and-eat dinners!
Freezing
Sausage Pepper Pasta freezes surprisingly well! Portion into freezer-safe containers and stash for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
For best results, reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. The microwave also works—just cover and stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! Use about 4 cups of diced fresh tomatoes—Roma or plum varieties work perfectly. You may want to simmer the sauce a bit longer until the tomatoes break down and become saucy.
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How can I make Sausage Pepper Pasta gluten-free?
Simply swap the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy!
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What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
No problem! You can easily use a combination of dried basil, oregano, thyme, and a pinch of rosemary. Season to taste—it’s hard to go wrong.
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Can I add cheese directly into the pasta?
Definitely! Stirring in a handful of Parmesan or even mozzarella while mixing everything together makes this Sausage Pepper Pasta extra creamy and decadent.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dinner that’s big on comfort, bold on color, and always a hit, Sausage Pepper Pasta deserves a top spot in your meal rotation. I can’t wait for you to give this recipe a try—so grab a skillet, gather your favorite people, and let’s make pasta night something extra special!
Print
Sausage Pepper Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Sausage Pepper Pasta is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines savory Italian sausage with colorful bell peppers in a delicious tomato-based sauce. Tossed with penne pasta and topped with Parmesan cheese, it’s a satisfying meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 16 ounce penne pasta
- Salt for water
Sausage Pepper Mixture:
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 15–ounce cans diced tomatoes
- 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning
For Serving:
- Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned, about 6 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Veggies and Seasoning: Add the diced onions to the skillet and cook until tender. Then, add the sliced bell peppers, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the peppers have softened, about 8-10 minutes.
- Combine Everything: Return the drained pasta to the pot. Add the sausage and pepper mixture, mixing well. If needed, add pasta water gradually until desired consistency is reached.
- Serve: Serve the pasta hot, topped with Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
