Easy Weeknight Sausage & Pepper Pasta Recipe
Ingredients:
1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, depending on your preference)
1 onion, thinly sliced
2 bell peppers (any color), thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (optional, for extra flavor)
12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti work great)
1/2 cup chicken broth (or white wine for a little more depth)
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or basil and oregano)
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce later.
Cook the Sausage:
While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and break it up with a spoon as it cooks, about 6-8 minutes, until browned and cooked through.
Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside. If there's excess fat, drain some, but leave a little in the pan for flavor.
Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
Make the Sauce:
Return the sausage to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the chicken broth (or wine) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet.
Stir in the diced tomatoes (if using), Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, until everything is well combined and the sauce has thickened slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine with Pasta:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sausage and peppers. Toss everything together, adding a bit of reserved pasta water if needed to help the sauce coat the pasta evenly.
Serve:
Serve the pasta in bowls, topped with fresh basil or parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.