Savor the Flavor: Mouthwatering Sausage and Peppers Pasta Recipe
Introduction
Are you looking for a flavorful and satisfying pasta dish? Look no further than this delicious sausage and peppers pasta recipe. Bursting with the robust flavors of Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, and fragrant herbs, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and will have you coming back for seconds. So let’s dive in and discover how to create this mouthwatering dish!
Ingredients
For this sausage and peppers pasta recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound of sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) of diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 ounces) of tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil
- 12 ounces of cooked pasta (your choice of shape)
Directions
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the sliced bell peppers and onion until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet with the peppers and onions. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if desired), salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
After the sauce has simmered for 10 minutes, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can simmer it for a bit longer until it reaches your desired consistency.
To serve, spoon the sausage and peppers sauce over the cooked pasta. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
Enjoy this delectable sausage and peppers pasta with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
FAQ
Q: Can I use hot Italian sausage instead of sweet Italian sausage?
A: Absolutely! If you prefer a spicier kick to your sausage and peppers pasta, feel free to substitute hot Italian sausage for the sweet variety. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes accordingly to suit your taste.
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer or have on hand. Classic choices like penne, spaghetti, or rigatoni work well with this recipe. However, feel free to experiment with different pasta shapes to add a fun twist to the dish.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the sausage and peppers sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce on the stove and cook the pasta fresh. This allows for a quick and convenient meal.
Q: Can I add other vegetables to the sauce?
A: Absolutely! While this recipe focuses on sausage and peppers, you can certainly add other vegetables to the sauce. Zucchini, mushrooms, or even spinach would make excellent additions to the dish. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly for the added vegetables.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes, you can freeze any leftover sausage and peppers pasta for later enjoyment. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
