Description
Sweet Pepper & Sausage Pasta is the perfect weeknight meal that brings together the rich flavors of Italian sausage and the sweetness of caramelized bell peppers. This dish is not only quick to prepare in just 35 minutes but also comforting and satisfying, making it an ideal choice for busy families or gatherings with friends. With its one-pan preparation, you’ll enjoy minimal cleanup while savoring a delightful explosion of flavors enhanced by balsamic vinegar and brown sugar. This recipe is easily customizable, allowing you to adjust ingredients to suit your taste.
Ingredients
Scale
- ½ lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ sweet onion, thinly sliced
- 2 bell peppers (red or yellow), sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 8 oz short-cut pasta (like rigatoni)
- 1½ tsp light brown sugar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sausage until browned. Stir in 1 tbsp of tomato paste and cook until caramelized. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add olive oil, onions, and bell peppers. Sauté for about 15-20 minutes until softened. Add remaining tomato paste, garlic, brown sugar, oregano, and salt; cook for an additional 3 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta in salted water according to package instructions but reduce cooking time by one minute. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
- Combine cooked sausage and pasta with the sautéed vegetables in the skillet. Stir in reserved pasta water until sauce thickens and coats the pasta evenly.
- Serve immediately, optionally topped with toasted breadcrumbs or fresh herbs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (300g)
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 55mg