Cooking Lucid
Quick Weeknight Sausage and Peppers Pasta
A hearty and flavorful pasta dish that comes together in minutes. Italian sausage, bell peppers, and onions are tossed with your favorite pasta for a satisfying meal.
Prep 10 min
Cook 25 min
Total 35 min
Serves 5
Ingredients
Step 1 — For the Pasta
- 1 lb pasta (penne, rotini, or farfalle)
- 1 lb mild or hot Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- 1
Cook Pasta
Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- 2
Brown Sausage
While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Remove sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving drippings in the pan.
- 3
Sauté Vegetables
Add the sliced onion and bell peppers to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- 4
Simmer Sauce
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, browned sausage, dried basil, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- 5
Combine and Serve
Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to combine, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to reach desired consistency. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition per serving: 620 cal · 30g protein · 65g carbs · 28g fat · 8g fiber
