Sausage and Pepper Penne Recipe
This Sausage and Pepper Penne recipe is a quick, hearty one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights. Juicy Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, and tender pasta cook together in a savory broth and tomato sauce, bringing out rich flavors with minimal effort. Customize the spice level with hot sausage or red pepper flakes, and enjoy a comforting meal that your entire family will love!
Equipment
- Equipment & Appliances
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Garlic press
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 2 bell peppers sliced
- 1 medium onion thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups penne pasta
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can 14 oz diced tomatoes with juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese optional
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450-500 kcal
- Protein: 20-25g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 50-55g
- Fiber: 5g
Instructions
Instructions
Prepare the Sausage
- Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks. Once fully cooked, transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside.
Cook the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Combine the Ingredients
- Return the cooked sausage to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the penne pasta, chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with juice), dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Simmer and Cook
- Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the penne pasta is cooked and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the skillet.
Serve and Garnish
- Once the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened, remove the skillet from heat. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Tips and Tricks
Customize the Heat: If you like a bit of spice, use hot Italian sausage and add extra red pepper flakes.
Make It Lighter: Substitute chicken or turkey sausage for a leaner option.
Storage: This dish can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth to maintain moisture.
Extra Flavor: For added richness, stir in 1/2 cup of cream at the end of cooking.