Sweet Pepper & Sausage Pasta
A comforting pasta dish combining sweet bell peppers and savory Italian sausage, enveloped in a silky sauce. Perfect for family dinners and easy weeknight meals.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 8 oz dry short-cut pasta (rigatoni, penne, or fusilli)
- ½ cup reserved pasta water To adjust sauce consistency
For the Sauce
- ½ lb mild or spicy Italian sausage, casings removed Johnsonville or Aidells for consistent quality
- 2 tbsp tomato paste, divided Look for a good quality brand
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided Extra virgin for maximum flavor
- ½ medium sweet onion, thinly sliced Vidalia onions add a lovely sweetness
- 2 medium red or yellow bell peppers, sliced Mix colors for variation
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced Use fresh garlic for the best taste
- 1½ tsp light brown sugar Balances the acidity of tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried oregano Or fresh if available
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar Adds depth; Pompeian is recommended
- Kosher salt to taste Kosher salt
- Toasted breadcrumbs for serving Toasted breadcrumbs Optional, adds crunch
Instructions
Cooking the Sausage
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned and just cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in 1 tablespoon of tomato paste and cook for another 1-2 minutes until caramelized.
- Transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside.
Sautéing the Vegetables
- In the same pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and bell peppers.
- Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring often, until softened and caramelized.
Combining Ingredients
- Stir in the remaining tomato paste, sliced garlic, brown sugar, oregano, and balsamic vinegar.
- Season with kosher salt and simmer for another 2-3 minutes. Add reserved pasta water if the mixture starts to dry out.
Cooking the Pasta
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta in salted boiling water, 1 minute less than package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Add the pasta and cooked sausage back into the skillet with the peppers, pouring in ¼ cup reserved pasta water.
- Stir for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens, adding more pasta water if needed.
Serving
- Serve immediately, topping with toasted breadcrumbs if desired.
Notes
Use high-quality sausages and fresh vegetables. Leftovers last in the fridge for 2-3 days. Can prepare sausage and veggie mixture ahead of time. Avoid overcooking pasta.