Sweet Pepper and Sausage Pasta

If you’re in the mood for a pasta dish that’s as vibrant as it is delicious, this Sweet Pepper and Sausage Pasta is your answer! It’s one of those meals that’s packed with bold, savory flavors and a hint of sweetness from the peppers that makes every bite feel like a celebration. Picture this: juicy sausage, perfectly sautéed sweet bell peppers, and al dente pasta all coming together in a beautifully simple sauce that’s rich yet light. Trust me, this is the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again. It’s quick, easy, and just so satisfying!

Why You’ll Love Sweet Pepper and Sausage Pasta

This pasta dish checks all the boxes. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or preparing something a bit more special, it’s got everything you need to make your meal unforgettable.

Bold and Flavorful

With sweet bell peppers, savory sausage, and a touch of garlic, this dish is bursting with flavor. The combination of sweet and spicy makes it irresistible!

Quick and Easy

This recipe comes together in no time—about 30 minutes or so from start to finish! It’s perfect for when you’re craving something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Comforting Yet Light

It’s rich enough to feel like comfort food, but the sweetness from the peppers and the lightness of the sauce keep it from feeling heavy. It’s the perfect balance!

Customizable

Want to kick it up a notch? You can add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some extra heat, or swap in different pasta shapes if you’re feeling adventurous.

Crowd-Pleasing

Sausage and peppers are a classic combo that never disappoints. This pasta dish will have your family and friends asking for the recipe—it’s that good!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this simple yet satisfying pasta dish:

Sausage

We’re using Italian sausage here—whether you go for mild or spicy is totally up to you. The sausage adds the perfect savory richness to the dish, making every bite flavorful.

Sweet Bell Peppers

Sweet bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange) bring a natural sweetness and a burst of color to the pasta. They’re sautéed to perfection, making them tender but still full of flavor.

Garlic

A few cloves of garlic add an irresistible fragrance and layer of flavor to the dish. Garlic makes everything better, right?

Onion

Sautéed onions add a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor, complementing the peppers and sausage perfectly.

Pasta

Any type of pasta works here, but a short, sturdy pasta like penne or rigatoni is ideal for holding onto all that delicious sauce.

Olive Oil

A little olive oil is used to sauté the vegetables and sausage, creating the perfect base for the sauce.

Chicken Broth

Chicken broth adds richness and depth to the sauce without being too heavy. It helps to bring everything together and create a silky texture.

Parmesan Cheese

For the finishing touch, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese takes this dish to the next level. It melts beautifully into the pasta, adding a salty, nutty flavor that pulls everything together.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to dig in? Let’s get cooking!

Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to the package instructions, until it’s al dente. Once it’s done, drain the pasta and set it aside, saving about a cup of the pasta cooking water.

Sauté the Vegetables and Sausage

While the pasta cooks, heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until it’s browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.

In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and bell peppers. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they soften and begin to caramelize. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.

Make the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any delicious bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. Let the broth simmer for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Combine Pasta, Sausage, and Vegetables

Add the cooked sausage back to the skillet, followed by the drained pasta. Toss everything together, adding a little of the reserved pasta water to help create a silky sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Sweet Pepper and Sausage Pasta in bowls, topped with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. A little fresh basil or parsley would be a lovely finishing touch!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 510
Total Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 850mg
Total Carbohydrates: 53g
Dietary Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 6g
Protein: 24g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Sweet Pepper and Sausage Pasta

This pasta dish is so satisfying on its own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your meal:

With a Side Salad

A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs wonderfully with the rich pasta. It adds a crisp contrast and some extra freshness to the meal.

With Garlic Bread

You can never go wrong with garlic bread. It’s the perfect thing for mopping up the delicious sauce!

With Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables, like zucchini or cherry tomatoes, would be a great side to round out the meal.

As a Standalone Meal

Sometimes, simple is best. Serve the pasta on its own, topped with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and extra Parmesan for that perfect finishing touch.

Additional Tips

Want to make this dish even more amazing? Here are a few extra tips:

Spice It Up

If you like a little heat, toss in some red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage instead of mild.

Add More Veggies

Feel free to sneak in some extra vegetables like spinach, kale, or mushrooms. It’s a great way to boost the nutritional value of the dish without sacrificing flavor.

Make It Lighter

To lighten it up, use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage, and swap out half the pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.

Prep Ahead

This dish is quick, but you can also prep ahead by chopping your vegetables and sausage earlier in the day. That way, when it’s time for dinner, you just need to cook the pasta and toss everything together.

Make It Gluten-Free

If you’re following a gluten-free diet, simply swap in gluten-free pasta, and you’re all set!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of sausage?

A1: Absolutely! You can use turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even chorizo for a spicier kick. Just adjust the seasoning to your taste.

Q2: Can I add more vegetables to this dish?

A2: Yes! Feel free to add mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for some extra flavor and nutrients.

Q3: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A3: This pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the veggies and sausage ahead of time. Reheat the dish with a splash of broth when you’re ready to eat.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?

A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a little chicken broth to keep the pasta from drying out.

Q5: Can I freeze Sweet Pepper and Sausage Pasta?

A5: While the pasta can be frozen, the texture may change slightly. If you do freeze it, store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months and reheat in the oven or on the stovetop.

Q6: Can I use a different type of pasta?

A6: Yes, you can use any type of pasta you like! Short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work well because they hold the sauce nicely.

Q7: How can I make this dish spicier?

A7: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage. You could even throw in a diced jalapeño for some extra heat.

Q8: Can I make this pasta vegetarian?

A8: Yes! You can substitute the sausage with a plant-based sausage or use extra veggies like mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version.

Q9: Can I use a different type of broth?

A9: Yes! You can swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth if you want a vegetarian-friendly option.

Q10: How do I make this dish dairy-free?

A10: Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. You can also add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor!

Conclusion

Sweet Pepper and Sausage Pasta is one of those dishes that feels both comforting and fresh. With the savory sausage, sweet peppers, and a light yet flavorful sauce, it’s a meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Quick to make, satisfying, and oh-so-delicious, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or whenever you’re craving something comforting but not too heavy. Give it a try—you’re going to love it!

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