This Sausage and Bell Pepper Penne is a hearty, flavor-packed pasta dish that’s perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal. Made with juicy Italian sausage, colorful bell peppers, and tender penne pasta, this dish is brought together by a rich, savory tomato sauce that’s both comforting and delicious. The combination of spicy sausage, sweet bell peppers, and al dente pasta makes this an irresistible choice for pasta lovers. Serve it with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh basil for a meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this Sausage and Bell Pepper Penne for its bold flavors, colorful presentation, and easy preparation. The sausage adds a savory depth, while the bell peppers bring sweetness and a vibrant pop of color to the dish. With minimal ingredients and a quick cooking time, this pasta is perfect for busy nights without sacrificing taste. It’s comforting, filling, and customizable, making it ideal for any occasion, from family dinners to casual get-togethers.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use Quality Sausage: Choose a good-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor. Hot or mild sausage can be used, depending on your spice preference.
- Don’t Overcook the Peppers: Sauté the bell peppers just until they’re tender-crisp to retain their vibrant color and slight crunch.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Save some pasta cooking water to help adjust the sauce’s consistency and help it cling to the pasta.
- Add Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley just before serving enhances the dish’s flavor and adds freshness.
- Grate Fresh Parmesan: For the best taste, use freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-shredded cheese.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Use Turkey Sausage: Substitute Italian sausage with turkey sausage for a lighter version.
- Add Spinach: Toss in a handful of fresh spinach at the end for added color and nutrients.
- Creamy Variation: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese for a creamy sauce.
- Whole Wheat Penne: Use whole wheat or gluten-free penne if you prefer a healthier option.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve this Sausage and Bell Pepper Penne with a side of garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a complete meal. Pair it with a glass of red wine, like Chianti or Merlot, for a classic Italian-style dinner. This dish is also perfect with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you enjoy a bit of heat.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze portions in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, any short pasta like rigatoni, ziti, or farfalle works well in this recipe.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs? You can substitute dried basil or Italian seasoning if fresh herbs aren’t available.
Can I make this dish spicier? Add red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage to increase the spice level.
Can I make this vegetarian? Yes, use plant-based sausage or simply add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant.
How do I keep the pasta from becoming dry? Use reserved pasta water to add moisture when reheating, or drizzle in a little olive oil.
Sausage & Bell Pepper Penne
This Sausage and Bell Pepper Penne is a flavorful pasta dish made with Italian sausage, colorful bell peppers, and penne pasta, all tossed in a rich tomato sauce. Quick, easy, and perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal!
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot), casings removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup pasta cooking water (reserved)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta. Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite), typically around 10-12 minutes. Just before draining, reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Cook the Sausage. While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook the sausage for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s fully browned and cooked through. Transfer the cooked sausage to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess grease, leaving a small amount of sausage fat in the skillet for added flavor.
- Sauté the Bell Peppers and Onion. In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers and diced onion to the remaining sausage fat. Sauté for 5-7 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the bell peppers are tender but still slightly crisp and the onion is translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown, as this can make it bitter.
- Create the Sauce. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine all ingredients. Add the reserved pasta cooking water a little at a time, stirring to reach your desired sauce consistency. The starchy pasta water will help the sauce adhere to the pasta later. Let the mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes over medium-low heat, allowing the flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.
- Combine with Pasta. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the sausage and bell pepper sauce. Using tongs or a large spoon, toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce and the ingredients are well distributed. Allow the pasta to cook in the sauce for an additional 1-2 minutes to fully absorb the flavors.
- Serve. Transfer the Sausage and Bell Pepper Penne to serving bowls. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness, and sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 563Total Fat: 36gSaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 27gCholesterol: 66mgSodium: 946mgCarbohydrates: 33gFiber: 3gSugar: 5gProtein: 27g
