Weeknight • Pasta
Spicy Sausage and Pepper Pasta
This hearty pasta dish features flavorful Italian sausage, tender bell peppers, and a hint of spice, all in a rich tomato sauce.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 25 min
- Servings
- 4
- Level
- Weeknight
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Looking for a pasta dish with a kick? This Spicy Sausage and Pepper Pasta delivers on flavor and satisfaction! It’s a hearty, vibrant meal that’s perfect for a cozy night in, and it comes together quicker than you might think.
Ingredients
Yield: 4 servings
Main
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 bell peppers (any color), chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or farfalle work well)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Preparation
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
Step 2
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat and remove sausage from the skillet, setting aside.
Step 3
Add chopped onion and bell peppers to the same skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 4
Stir in crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, dried basil, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for at least 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5
While the sauce simmers, cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Step 6
Add the cooked sausage back into the sauce. Stir in the drained pasta, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to create a smoother sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes, tossing to coat. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- For a milder dish, use sweet Italian sausage and reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
- Add a splash of cream or a knob of butter to the sauce at the end for extra richness.
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