If you’re looking for a dish that brings together vibrant colors, bold flavors, and comforting texture, you’re going to fall in love with this Sweet Pepper and Sausage Pasta Recipe. It’s a fantastic harmony of savory Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, and a rich, slightly tangy tomato sauce that clings beautifully to every bite of pasta. This recipe is straightforward yet packed with layers of flavor that make every forkful feel like a warm embrace. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this pasta brings both comfort and excitement to the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Sweet Pepper and Sausage Pasta Recipe lies in how simply incredible the ingredients are. Each one plays a crucial role — from the juicy sausage adding a hearty bite to the sweet peppers giving a pop of color and freshness, every component works together to create a dish that sings.
- 1/2 lb mild or spicy Italian sausage, casings removed: Choose your preferred spice level to set the tone for the dish’s savory base.
- 2 tbsp tomato paste, divided: This deepens the sauce’s flavor, lending a rich and concentrated tomato essence.
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided: Olive oil enhances the sauce and helps brown the sausage and vegetables perfectly.
- 1/2 sweet onion, thinly sliced: Adds a mild, slightly sweet foundation for the sauce.
- 2 medium red or yellow bell peppers, sliced: Their natural sweetness and vibrant colors brighten the dish.
- 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced: Infuses the sauce with that unmistakable garlic warmth.
- 1 1/2 tsp light brown sugar: Balances acidity and enhances the sweetness of the peppers.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: Brings that classic Italian herbal note everyone loves.
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar: Adds a subtle tangy depth and complexity to the sauce.
- 8 oz dry short-cut pasta, such as rigatoni: Perfect for grabbing all that luscious sauce on each bite.
- Kosher salt: A must for seasoning and perfecting all the flavors.
- Toasted breadcrumbs (optional): For a delightful crunchy topping to finish the dish.
How to Make Sweet Pepper and Sausage Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until beautifully browned and cooked through. Those caramelized edges carry so much flavor, so don’t rush this step. Once cooked, remove the sausage and set it aside, leaving any drippings in the pan.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and toss in the sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté them gently until they soften and begin to caramelize, which takes around 7-8 minutes. Then add the sliced garlic during the last minute to make sure it doesn’t burn but infuses the oil with its fragrant aroma.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Stir in 1 tablespoon of tomato paste to the vegetables and cook for a couple of minutes to deepen its flavor. Sprinkle the light brown sugar, dried oregano, and a pinch of kosher salt. Follow with the balsamic vinegar and the remaining tomato paste. Add the cooked sausage back into the pan, combining all the flavors beautifully. Give it a good stir and let everything mingle together for another 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
While your sauce simmers gently, cook the short-cut pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. It’s important to keep the pasta firm since it will absorb some sauce later on. Drain the pasta, reserving a cup of pasta water, then toss the pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Mix well, using the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if it feels too thick.
How to Serve Sweet Pepper and Sausage Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To really elevate your Sweet Pepper and Sausage Pasta Recipe, sprinkle a handful of toasted breadcrumbs on top for added crunch. Fresh basil or parsley leaves bring a burst of color and a fresh herbal note that brightens every bite.
Side Dishes
Keep the sides simple to let this pasta shine. A crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette or some garlic bread are perfect companions. The salad cuts through the richness, and the garlic bread is fantastic for sopping up any extra sauce left on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls with a drizzle of good-quality olive oil and a sprinkle of chili flakes if you like a bit of heat. Another fun way is layering the pasta in a clear casserole dish, topped with breadcrumbs and baked briefly to create a crunchy golden crust.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Sweet Pepper and Sausage Pasta Recipe stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers even tastier. Just be sure to cool it completely before refrigeration.
Freezing
You can freeze the pasta, though the texture is best preserved if you freeze the sauce separately from the pasta. Store sauce and cooked pasta in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture. Stir frequently for even heating and to keep that perfect sauce-to-pasta ratio.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausage in this recipe?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage works beautifully here, feel free to experiment with chorizo, bratwurst, or even turkey sausage depending on your taste preferences.
What pasta works best for Sweet Pepper and Sausage Pasta Recipe?
Short-cut pastas like rigatoni, penne, or rigatoni are ideal because their ridges and hollow centers hold onto the delicious sauce perfectly with every bite.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the sausage for plant-based sausage or hearty mushrooms for a vegetarian twist without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Is it okay to use jarred roasted red peppers instead of fresh?
You can, but fresh sweet bell peppers really bring the best texture and sweetness. Jarred roasted peppers add a smoky flavor that changes the character of the dish but can be delicious in their own way.
How spicy is the Sweet Pepper and Sausage Pasta Recipe?
The level of heat depends on the sausage you choose. Mild sausage keeps it gentle, while spicy sausage kicks it up for those who like a little fire in their meal.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited to make this Sweet Pepper and Sausage Pasta Recipe as I am to share it with you. It’s one of those dishes that wraps you in comfort while wowing your taste buds, perfect for cooking any day you crave something both satisfying and special. So grab those simple ingredients, invite some friends over, and enjoy every delicious bite together!
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Sweet Pepper and Sausage Pasta Recipe
A flavorful Sweet Pepper and Sausage Pasta combining savory Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, and a rich tomato paste base, finished with a touch of balsamic vinegar and brown sugar for depth. This hearty pasta dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
Sausage and Sauce
- 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
Pasta
- 8 oz dry short-cut pasta, such as rigatoni
- Kosher salt, to taste
Optional
- Toasted breadcrumbs for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
- Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove sausage from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced onion and bell peppers and cook over medium heat until softened and slightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Tomato Paste: Stir in the sliced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add 1 tablespoon of tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently to enhance the flavor.
- Create the Sauce: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon tomato paste, light brown sugar, dried oregano, and balsamic vinegar. Stir to combine the flavors and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Adjust seasoning with kosher salt to taste.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained rigatoni to the skillet and toss to coat well. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Serve: Divide the pasta among plates. Sprinkle with toasted breadcrumbs if desired for an added crunch, and serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute Italian sausage with chicken sausage or a plant-based sausage for a different twist.
- Using both red and yellow bell peppers adds visual appeal and a slight variation in sweetness.
- To toast breadcrumbs, cook them in a dry pan over medium heat until golden and fragrant.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed.
- This dish pairs well with a light green salad or crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
