Sausage and Pepper Pasta Recipe
Introduction
Sausage and peppers is a classic Italian-American dish that combines the savory flavors of sausage and the sweet and tangy taste of bell peppers. When served with pasta, it becomes a hearty and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned chef, this recipe is easy to follow and guaranteed to impress. In this blog post, we will walk you through the ingredients and directions to create the perfect sausage and peppers pasta dish.
Ingredients
To make sausage and peppers pasta, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound of Italian sausage links
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), thinly sliced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can of crushed tomatoes (14 ounces)
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 ounces of your favorite pasta (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Directions
- Start by cooking the sausage. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the sausage links. Cook them for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally until they are browned on all sides. Once cooked, remove the sausages from the skillet and set them aside to rest.
In the same skillet, add the thinly sliced onions and bell peppers. Cook them over medium heat until they become tender and slightly caramelized, which will take around 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
While the vegetables are cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Once the onions and bell peppers are cooked, add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Next, add the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, and dried basil to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
While the sauce is simmering, slice the cooked sausages into bite-sized pieces. Add them to the skillet and stir them into the sauce. Cook for an additional 5 minutes to heat the sausages through.
Finally, add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the sausage and pepper sauce.
Serve the sausage and peppers pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
FAQ
Q: Can I use any type of sausage for this recipe?
A: While Italian sausage works best for this dish, you can use any type of sausage that you prefer. Just make sure the flavors complement the peppers and pasta.
Q: Can I use canned peppers instead of fresh ones?
A: Fresh bell peppers provide a crisp and vibrant flavor to this dish, but if you don’t have any on hand, you can use canned peppers as a substitute. Just make sure to drain them before adding them to the skillet.
Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! You can omit the sausage and use your favorite meatless alternative or add more vegetables like zucchini and eggplant to make a delicious vegetarian version of this pasta dish.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through before serving.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Yes, you can freeze this sausage and peppers pasta in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Now that you have the recipe for sausage and peppers pasta, it’s time to put on your apron and get cooking. Enjoy this flavorful and comforting dish with your loved ones, and savor every bite!
