Pasta with Sausage, Peppers, and Onions Recipe

Are you craving something hearty and full of flavor? Well, let me introduce you to the ultimate comfort food: pasta with sausage, peppers, and onions. It’s a simple, yet irresistible dish that will warm you up from the inside out!

I love how easy this meal is to whip up, and it always tastes amazing! The combination of savory sausage, sweet peppers, and tender onions makes every bite super satisfying. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, making cleanup a breeze!

This recipe is perfect for busy days when you need something quick but delicious. With just a few ingredients, you can have a tasty dinner ready in no time. Trust me, you’ll want to make this again and again!

So, let’s get started! Grab your ingredients and follow along as we make this mouth-watering pasta with sausage, peppers, and onions. You’ll be glad you did!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor-packed: The combination of Italian sausage, peppers, and onions creates a symphony of rich, savory flavors.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Comforting Meal: The rich sausage and hearty pasta are filling and warm, making it a go-to comfort food.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish keeps well for leftovers and is great for meal prepping.
• Versatile: The sausage and vegetable mixture can be used in sandwiches, wraps, or on top of a bed of rice for variation.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: This recipe serves 4, but you can easily adjust the ingredients if you need to feed more or less.

Difficulty: This recipe is beginner-friendly, but it’s still fun for those with more experience in the kitchen.

Required Kitchen Tools

To prepare this delicious pasta dish, you will need the following kitchen tools:

• Large Skillet: A large skillet or frying pan is essential for cooking the sausage and vegetables.
• Pot for Pasta: You’ll need a separate pot to boil your pasta.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: To stir and break up the sausage while cooking.
• Strainer: To drain the cooked pasta.
• Grater: For freshly grating Romano cheese to sprinkle over the finished dish.

Ingredients for Pasta with Sausage, Peppers, and Onions

This flavorful pasta dish is made with simple, fresh ingredients. Here’s everything you’ll need to prepare this meal:

Main Ingredients:

• Olive Oil: To sauté the vegetables and cook the sausage. Use extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
• Italian Sausage: You can use either mild or spicy Italian sausage, depending on your preference. The sausage is the star of the dish, so pick a good quality one.
• Onion: Yellow or white onions work best for a mild, sweet flavor when caramelized.
• Bell Peppers: Red, yellow, or green bell peppers will add color and sweetness to the dish.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a fragrant, savory depth to the recipe.
• White Wine (or Chicken Broth): This helps deglaze the pan and adds an extra layer of flavor to the dish.
• Diced Tomatoes: Provides a juicy, tangy component that helps bring all the flavors together.
• Kosher Salt and Ground Black Pepper: To season the dish to taste.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Optional for adding a little heat to the dish.
• Fresh Fettuccine Pasta: The pasta is the perfect vehicle to soak up the sauce. Fresh pasta cooks quickly, giving you a light and tender texture.
• Grated Romano Cheese: This cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor that finishes the dish beautifully.

How to Make Pasta with Sausage, Peppers, and Onions: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the fresh fettuccine pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually for 2-3 minutes if using fresh pasta. Once done, drain the pasta, reserving about a cup of the pasta water to help loosen the sauce later if needed. Set the pasta aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

While the pasta is cooking, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and bell peppers to the skillet. Sauté the vegetables, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, until they soften and begin to caramelize. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Brown the Sausage

Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet. Add the Italian sausage to the other side, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Brown the sausage for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s fully cooked through and nicely browned. This will add extra flavor to the dish.

4. Deglaze the Pan

Once the sausage is browned, pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) to deglaze the pan. Stir to loosen any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet, which will add a deep, rich flavor to the sauce. Allow the wine to cook down for about 2-3 minutes.

5. Add Tomatoes and Season

Stir in the diced tomatoes, kosher salt, ground black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Let the mixture simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

6. Combine with Pasta

Once the sauce has thickened slightly, add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water if the mixture looks too dry. Continue to toss until the pasta is fully coated in the flavorful sauce.

Serving and Storing Pasta with Sausage, Peppers, and Onions

1. How to Serve Pasta with Sausage, Peppers, and Onions

This dish is rich, savory, and satisfying, making it perfect for a cozy family meal or a dinner party. Here’s how to serve it:

• As a Standalone Meal: Serve it as is with a sprinkle of freshly grated Romano cheese for a complete meal.
• With a Side Salad: Pair it with a simple green salad, such as a classic Caesar or a mixed greens salad, to add a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.
• Garlic Bread on the Side: A warm, crispy garlic bread will complement the sausage and pasta, making it even more indulgent.
• For Extra Freshness: Top with a few fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to enhance the flavors right before serving.

2. Storing Pasta with Sausage, Peppers, and Onions

If you have leftovers, this pasta stores really well for a few days in the refrigerator. Here’s how to store it:

• Refrigerate: Allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days.
• Reheat: To reheat, simply warm the pasta in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave individual servings for convenience.
• Freezing: While pasta dishes with sauce can freeze well, I recommend only freezing the sausage and vegetable mixture (without the pasta). Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, cook fresh pasta and toss it with the reheated sausage mixture.

3. Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use Sweet or Hot Sausage: You can choose mild or spicy Italian sausage, depending on your taste preference. For an extra kick, opt for hot sausage or add more crushed red pepper flakes.
• Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Fresh pasta cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. This will ensure the texture is light and tender.
• Add More Flavor: For an even richer flavor, try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a handful of chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley before serving.

Nutrition Information for Pasta with Sausage, Peppers, and Onions

Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown for one serving of this pasta dish (based on 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	550 kcal
Protein	25g
Carbohydrates	60g
Fat	20g
Saturated Fat	7g
Cholesterol	45mg
Sodium	800mg
Fiber	5g
Sugar	7g
Vitamin A	15% DV
Vitamin C	60% DV
Calcium	8% DV
Iron	10% DV

Pasta with Sausage, Peppers, and Onions FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any pasta shape will work in this dish, but fettuccine pairs particularly well because it catches the sauce nicely.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the sausage and vegetable mixture ahead of time. Store it in the fridge and combine it with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, the sausage mixture freezes well, though the pasta may become a bit soft after freezing. To freeze, store the sausage and vegetable mixture in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Conclusion

This pasta with sausage, peppers, and onions is the perfect combination of hearty sausage, sweet bell peppers, and tender pasta, all tossed in a rich, savory sauce. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and can be served in many different ways. Whether you make it for a family dinner or for meal prepping, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Try it tonight and enjoy!