Sweet Pepper & Sausage Pasta
This Sweet Pepper & Sausage Pasta is a delightful and comforting dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. Bursting with flavor from Italian sausage, jammy bell peppers, and a touch of balsamic vinegar, this pasta will quickly become a favorite. Its simplicity and hearty nature make it suitable for family meals or casual gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This dish can be ready in just 35 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of caramelized peppers and savory sausage creates a rich taste that satisfies any craving.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap in different types of pasta or adjust the spice level to suit your preferences.
- One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes to clean means you spend more time enjoying your meal!
- Crowd Pleaser: With its comforting flavors, this pasta is great for sharing with family and friends.
Tools and Preparation
To create this delicious Sweet Pepper & Sausage Pasta, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools to help streamline the cooking process.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet: A spacious skillet allows for even cooking and caramelizing of the sausage and peppers.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: These are perfect for stirring without scratching your cookware, ensuring everything cooks evenly.
- Pot for boiling pasta: A good-sized pot prevents overcrowding of the pasta, allowing it to cook properly.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make this flavorful Sweet Pepper & Sausage Pasta:
For the Sausage Mixture
- ½ lb mild or spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
- 2 tbsp tomato paste, divided
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
For the Vegetables
- ½ sweet onion, thinly sliced
- 2 medium red or yellow bell peppers, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
For Seasoning
- 1½ tsp light brown sugar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
For the Pasta
- 8 oz dry short-cut pasta (rigatoni, penne, or fusilli)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
For Serving (Optional)
- Toasted breadcrumbs
How to Make Sweet Pepper & Sausage Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the sausage and cook until browned and just cooked through.
- Stir in 1 tbsp tomato paste and cook for another 1-2 minutes until caramelized.
- Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same pan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the onions and bell peppers. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring often until softened and caramelized.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
- Stir in the remaining 1 tbsp tomato paste, garlic, brown sugar, oregano, and balsamic vinegar.
- Season with kosher salt and cook for another 2-3 minutes until jammy.
- If the peppers start to dry out, add a splash of water and let it simmer.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta in generously salted boiling water for 1 minute less than package instructions.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water then drain.
Step 5: Mix Everything Together
- Add the drained pasta and cooked sausage back into the skillet with the vegetables.
- Pour in ¼ cup reserved pasta water; stir for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the pasta.
- Add more pasta water as needed for a silky texture.
Step 6: Serve Your Dish
Serve immediately topped with toasted breadcrumbs if desired. Enjoy your hearty Sweet Pepper & Sausage Pasta!
How to Serve Sweet Pepper & Sausage Pasta
Serving Sweet Pepper & Sausage Pasta can elevate your dining experience. This hearty dish pairs well with various sides, adding flavor and texture to your meal.
With Fresh Herbs
- Basil or Parsley: Chopped fresh basil or parsley sprinkled on top adds a vibrant touch and enhances the flavors.
With Cheese
- Grated Parmesan: A generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese provides a salty, nutty finish that complements the dish perfectly.
With Toasted Bread
- Garlic Bread: Serve alongside warm garlic bread for a delightful crunch that balances the pasta’s softness.
With Salad
- Mixed Green Salad: A light mixed green salad with vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
How to Perfect Sweet Pepper & Sausage Pasta
To achieve the best results with your Sweet Pepper & Sausage Pasta, consider these helpful tips for perfection.
- Use Quality Sausage: Choose high-quality Italian sausage for better flavor and texture in your dish.
- Balance Flavors: Adjust the brown sugar and balsamic vinegar according to your taste for a balanced sweetness.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Ensure you cook the pasta just until al dente for the best bite and texture.
- Reserve Enough Pasta Water: Keep extra pasta water handy; it helps achieve a silky sauce consistency.
- Let It Simmer: Allow the peppers to caramelize properly for deeper flavors and a more satisfying sauce.
- Add Fresh Ingredients Last: Add any fresh herbs or greens towards the end of cooking to maintain their bright flavors.
Best Side Dishes for Sweet Pepper & Sausage Pasta
Pairing side dishes with Sweet Pepper & Sausage Pasta can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.
- Garlic Bread – Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, this classic side is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
- Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce tossed in Caesar dressing complements the rich pasta beautifully.
- Roasted Vegetables – A mix of seasonal roasted vegetables adds color and nutrients, enhancing your meal’s healthiness.
- Caprese Salad – Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze provide a refreshing contrast.
- Steamed Broccoli – Lightly steamed broccoli adds a nutritious element while balancing out the richness of the dish.
- Antipasto Platter – A selection of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables offers variety and excitement alongside your pasta.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing Sweet Pepper & Sausage Pasta, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here’s how to avoid them for a perfect dish.
- Using the wrong pasta: Opt for short-cut pasta like rigatoni or penne. Long pasta can be harder to mix with the sauce.
- Overcooking the sausage: Cook until just browned. Overcooked sausage can become dry and tough, ruining the dish’s texture.
- Skipping the caramelization: Take your time with the peppers and onions. Proper caramelization adds depth and sweetness to the flavor profile.
- Not reserving pasta water: Always save some pasta water before draining. This starchy liquid helps create a silky sauce that clings to the pasta.
- Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Taste as you go! Adjust salt and sugar levels based on your preferences for a well-balanced dish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Let it cool completely before placing it in the fridge.
Freezing Sweet Pepper & Sausage Pasta
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
- Ensure it’s completely cooled before freezing to prevent ice crystals.
Reheating Sweet Pepper & Sausage Pasta
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe containers for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Sweet Pepper & Sausage Pasta.
What type of sausage is best for Sweet Pepper & Sausage Pasta?
Mild or spicy Italian sausage works great. Choose based on your spice preference for the best flavor.
Can I use different vegetables in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add zucchini or mushrooms along with the bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
How can I customize Sweet Pepper & Sausage Pasta?
You can customize it by adding cheese, fresh herbs, or even red pepper flakes for added heat.
Is Sweet Pepper & Sausage Pasta suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This dish stores well and reheats nicely, making it perfect for meal prep throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
Sweet Pepper & Sausage Pasta is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily modify ingredients based on what you have on hand or your taste preferences. Don’t hesitate to try out this comforting dish; it’s sure to become a favorite in your home!
Sweet Pepper & Sausage Pasta
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Sweet Pepper & Sausage Pasta is a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner that will warm your heart. This comforting dish features savory Italian sausage combined with sweet, caramelized bell peppers and a hint of balsamic vinegar, creating a delightful medley of flavors. With its one-pan preparation, this recipe not only minimizes cleanup but also maximizes taste, making it a family favorite for casual gatherings or busy evenings. Enjoy the simplicity of this hearty pasta dish that showcases fresh ingredients and satisfying flavors.
Ingredients
- ½ lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 2 medium bell peppers (red or yellow), sliced
- ½ sweet onion, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 8 oz dry short-cut pasta (like rigatoni)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1½ tsp light brown sugar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the sausage until cooked through. Stir in 1 tbsp tomato paste and cook until caramelized. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, add olive oil and sauté onions and bell peppers for 15-20 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the remaining tomato paste, garlic, sugar, oregano, balsamic vinegar, and season with salt. Cook until jammy.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta in salted water until al dente; reserve some pasta water before draining.
- Combine the drained pasta with the sausage and vegetable mixture in the skillet. Add reserved pasta water to achieve desired sauce consistency.
- Serve hot, optionally topped with toasted breadcrumbs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
