Spicy Sausage and Peppers Pasta: A Quick and Flavorful Dinner

Looking for a dinner that’s packed with flavor and comes together in a flash? This Spicy Sausage and Peppers Pasta is your answer! It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that uses simple ingredients and is perfect for those busy weeknights when you still want something delicious and comforting.

Ingredients Needed

• 1 pound pasta (like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
• Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Step By Step Making

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Add the sliced onion and bell peppers to the skillet with the sausage. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
5. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for at least 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
6. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
7. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if desired.

Nutritional Value (Approximate per serving, based on 4 servings)

• Protein: 30g
• Calories: 550 kcal
• Carbs: 50g

Health Benefits

This dish offers a good source of protein from the sausage, which is essential for building and repairing tissues. Bell peppers and onions provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber, contributing to overall digestive health and immune function. Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants like lycopene. The whole meal provides sustained energy due to its carbohydrate content.

Disclaimer: This recipe information is provided by pezni for general informational purposes only.