Spicy Sausage Pasta Peppers (Printable Version)

Pasta with spicy sausage, sweet bell peppers, and a rich tomato sauce delivers vibrant flavors and simple comfort.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz penne or rigatoni

→ Meats

02 - 10 oz spicy Italian sausage, casings removed

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 red bell pepper, sliced
04 - 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
05 - 1 small onion, thinly sliced
06 - 3 cloves garlic, minced

→ Sauce & Seasonings

07 - 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
08 - 1 tablespoon tomato paste
09 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or more to taste
11 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
12 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
13 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Finishing

14 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
15 - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package directions, then reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining. Set cooked pasta aside.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, and sauté until browned, about 5 minutes.
03 - In the same skillet, add onion, garlic, and both bell peppers. Cook, stirring frequently, until vegetables are softened, approximately 5 minutes.
04 - Stir in tomato paste, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, and oregano. Cook for 1 minute until aromatic.
05 - Pour in crushed tomatoes and season with salt and black pepper. Simmer gently for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens.
06 - Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat. Add reserved pasta water gradually, as needed, to adjust sauce texture.
07 - Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the dish and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately while hot.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Fast and weeknight friendly, on your table in under 45 minutes
  • Works well with regular pantry staples
  • Customizable spice level to fit your family
  • Perfectly balanced flavors with both sweetness and heat
  • Hearty and satisfying, one-pan clean-up
02 -
  • Great source of protein and feel-good carbs
  • Freezes and reheats beautifully for busy days
  • Easy to adapt to different dietary needs
03 -
  • Do not rush browning your sausage, as caramelization here adds incredible flavor to the finished sauce
  • Try finishing the pasta under the broiler with a bit of extra Parmesan for a crisp topping
  • Keep a wedge of Parmesan at the table(nothing beats freshly grated cheese piled high)

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