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Featured image of delicious Sweet Pepper Sausage Pasta, showcasing the vibrant colors and textures of the dish.

Sweet Pepper Sausage Pasta

This Sweet Pepper Sausage Pasta recipe combines perfectly cooked pasta with savory sweet Italian sausage and tender bell peppers in a flavorful sauce. It's a comforting and delicious dish that's easy to make and perfect for a family meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound pasta penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape
  • 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, removed from casings
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 bell peppers any color
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream optional, for extra creaminess
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes optional, for a little heat
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
  • Salt for pasta water

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • Spoon
  • knife
  • cutting board
  • Garlic press (optional)
  • measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Add the chopped onion and sliced bell peppers to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  5. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet with the sauce. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
  6. If using, stir in the heavy cream for extra richness. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

For a spicier dish, use hot Italian sausage or add more red pepper flakes. To make it vegetarian, substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage or add more vegetables. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water or broth. The dish can also be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Use a mix of different colored bell peppers for a more visually appealing dish. Roasting the bell peppers before adding them to the pasta gives a deeper, sweeter flavor.