Pasta with Sausage and Peppers
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Pasta with sausage and peppers is a tasty meal you can make in just 30 minutes. This simple dish combines tender penne pasta, savory Italian sausage, and colorful bell peppers in a zesty tomato sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a filling dinner without much fuss.
You’ll love how easy this recipe is to put together. The sausage adds lots of flavor, while the peppers bring a nice crunch and sweetness. A sprinkle of feta cheese on top gives it a creamy, tangy finish.
With just a few ingredients and some basic cooking steps, you can have a yummy pasta dinner on the table in no time.
Exact Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make this tasty pasta dish:
- 2 Italian sausage links (about ½ lb)
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 yellow onion
- 1 (24 oz) jar pasta sauce
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- ½ lb penne pasta
- 1 oz feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
You’ll love how simple these ingredients are! Most are probably already in your kitchen. The Italian sausage gives the dish a rich flavor, while the bell pepper and onion add a nice crunch.
The dried herbs and crushed red pepper spice things up a bit. Feel free to adjust these to your taste. The pasta sauce ties everything together, coating the penne perfectly.
Don’t forget the feta cheese on top! It adds a tangy kick that really makes the dish pop. The parsley is optional, but it gives a fresh touch if you have some on hand.
Instructions
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add oil and sausage links. Cook for a few minutes on each side until nicely browned.
Take the sausage out and slice it into medallions. Put it back in the skillet to cook through. Remove to a plate when done.
While the sausage cooks, cut the pepper and onion into thin strips. Cook these veggies in the skillet until they start to soften.
Add the sausage back to the pan. Pour in the pasta sauce and sprinkle in the basil, oregano, and red pepper. Stir everything together and let it heat up.
Boil a big pot of water for the pasta. Cook the penne for about 7 minutes until tender. Drain it and mix it into the skillet with everything else.
Top your pasta with crumbled feta cheese. If you like, sprinkle on some chopped parsley. Your tasty meal is ready to serve!
Possible Substitutes List & Recipe Variations
You can easily change up this tasty pasta dish! Try swapping the Italian sausage for spicy sausage, andouille, or even ground beef. Not a fan of red bell peppers? Green or yellow peppers work great too.
For the pasta, feel free to use any shape you like. Rigatoni, farfalle, or shells are all yummy options. If you’re watching your carbs, zucchini noodles make a great low-carb swap.
Want to add more veggies? Toss in some mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. They’ll boost the nutrition and flavor. For a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end.
Don’t have feta? Parmesan or mozzarella cheese are tasty alternatives. You can also skip the cheese for a dairy-free version.
Spice things up by adding red pepper flakes or using a spicy pasta sauce. For extra flavor, try adding some sun-dried tomatoes or olives to the mix.
Remember, cooking is all about having fun and making the recipe your own. Feel free to play around with the ingredients based on what you have on hand or what you’re craving!