Description
Sweet Pepper & Sausage Pasta is a savory and satisfying dish that perfectly combines the robust flavors of Italian sausage with the sweetness of caramelized bell peppers. This easy-to-make pasta dish is ideal for busy weeknights, offering a comforting meal that your entire family will love. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up this delightful recipe in under 35 minutes, making it a go-to option for quick dinners. The addition of balsamic vinegar and brown sugar gives this dish a unique twist that elevates the flavors, ensuring every bite is both delicious and memorable.
Ingredients
Scale
- ½ lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- ½ sweet onion
- 2 medium red or yellow bell peppers
- 3 garlic cloves
- 8 oz dry short-cut pasta (rigatoni, penne, or fusilli)
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
- Kosher salt to taste
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned (5-7 minutes). Stir in 1 tablespoon of tomato paste for another 1-2 minutes.
- In the same skillet, heat olive oil and sauté sliced onions and bell peppers until caramelized (15-20 minutes).
- Mix in remaining tomato paste, garlic, brown sugar, oregano, balsamic vinegar, and salt. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Meanwhile, boil salted water in a pot and cook pasta according to package instructions but one minute less than recommended.
- Combine cooked pasta with the sausage and peppers in the skillet. Add reserved pasta water to achieve desired sauce consistency.
- Serve immediately with optional toasted breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 45mg