If you’re craving a meal that’s both comforting and packed with flavor, look no further than this sausage and pepper pasta recipe. It’s a delightful dish that brings together the savory goodness of sausage with the sweetness of bell peppers, all tossed in a perfectly seasoned sauce. This recipe is easy to make and comes together quickly, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal. Get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure deliciousness with every bite!
Steps
- Begin by browning the Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Add 1 tablespoon of tomato paste to the sausage and continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes until it becomes caramelized. Transfer the sausage to a plate and set it aside for later use.
- In the same skillet, add olive oil and heat it over medium. Once the oil is shimmering, introduce the sliced onions and bell peppers. Stir frequently and cook for 15-20 minutes until they soften. Add the remaining tomato paste, garlic, brown sugar, oregano, and balsamic vinegar, seasoning with salt. Cook for a few more minutes until the mixture becomes jammy and caramelized, adding water if needed to prevent drying.
- While the vegetables cook, boil the pasta in salty water, making sure to cook it 1 minute less than the package instructions. Reserve half a cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Combine the drained pasta and cooked sausage with the vegetables in the skillet, adding 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, adding more pasta water if necessary, until the pasta reaches al dente and the sauce thickens. Serve immediately, garnished with toasted breadcrumbs if desired.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb mild or spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
- 2 tbsp tomato paste, divided
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1/2 sweet onion, thinly sliced
- 2 medium red or yellow bell peppers, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1 1/2 tsp light brown sugar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
- 8 oz dry short-cut pasta, such as rigatoni
- Kosher salt
- Toasted breadcrumbs for serving (optional)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1844 | Total Fat: 96g | Saturated Fat: 28g | Trans Fat: 0g | Unsaturated Fat: 68g | Cholesterol: 128mg | Sodium: 1936mg | Carbohydrates: 176g | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 28g | Protein: 72g
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of sausage for this recipe?
- Yes, you can substitute the Italian sausage with chicken or turkey sausage. Just be aware that these options may have a lower fat content, so you might need to add a bit more olive oil when caramelizing the peppers and onions.
- What kind of pasta works best for Sweet Pepper and Sausage Pasta?
- Any short-cut pasta such as rigatoni, penne, fusilli, or cavatelli works well. Gnocchi can also be used for a unique twist.
- How can I store leftovers of this pasta dish?
- While best enjoyed fresh, this pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can also store the pepper and sausage mixture separately and prepare fresh pasta as needed.
- What is the purpose of adding brown sugar to the recipe?
- Brown sugar helps in the caramelization of the peppers and onions, while also enhancing their natural sweetness.
- Can I use fresh oregano instead of dried?
- Yes, fresh oregano can be used and will provide an even more vibrant flavor to the dish compared to dried oregano. Adjust the amount according to taste.
Tips
- Choose Sausage Wisely: Opt for mild Italian pork sausage for a balanced flavor, or go for spicy if you prefer some heat. If using leaner options like chicken or turkey sausage, you might need to add extra olive oil while cooking to ensure the peppers and onions caramelize properly.
- Perfect Caramelization: When cooking the peppers and onions, ensure they become soft and jammy. If they seem to dry out or take too long to soften, add a splash of water to the pan and increase the heat slightly to help them cook evenly.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Boil the pasta in well-salted water and drain it 1-2 minutes before the package suggests. This allows the pasta to finish cooking in the sauce, absorbing all the flavors and achieving the perfect texture.
- Enhance with Toppings: For added texture and flavor, serve the pasta with toasted breadcrumbs. Quickly toast Panko breadcrumbs in a bit of olive oil until golden brown, then sprinkle them over the dish just before serving.
