Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
