Sausage Peppers Pasta Perfection a Weeknight Wonder
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy some italian sausage and pasta that's ready in under an hour? Honestly, this recipe is a weeknight game changer. It’s packed with flavour, a bit of spice and totally satisfying, guaranteed.
Brief Overview
This classic dish, like many good things, hails from Italy, born out of simple ingredients. It is a super easy recipe that takes about 40 minutes from start to finish.
This recipe makes 6 servings, perfect for the family or a cheeky dinner party.
Main Benefits
This Sausage And Bow Tie Pasta Recipe is a fantastic source of protein, thanks to the sausage. It's perfect for a casual Sunday lunch, or when you're just craving something comforting.
What makes this Italian sausage pasta recipe easy so special is the balance of spicy sausage, sweet peppers, and tangy tomatoes.
What You'll Need to Make It
Here is the shopping list, you might have these in the pantry!
- 1 pound (450g) Italian sausage
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
- 1 large (approx. 200g) onion
- 2 cloves garlic (approx. 6g)
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 green bell pepper
- 1 (28 ounce / 794g) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce / 425g) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon (1.25ml) red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pound (450g) pasta
- ½ cup (50g) Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley
Cooking Up a Storm
First up, get your pasta on the boil. I usually add a good pinch of salt to the water it makes all the difference.
While the pasta is cooking, brown the Italian Sausage and Bowtie Pasta . You know, get it nice and crispy for extra flavor.
Next, sauté your onions, garlic, and peppers. These veggies bring a lovely sweetness. Now simmer the sauce and after that add the pasta.
Top it all with some Parmesan and parsley.
Ingredients & Equipment
Alright, let's get down to brass tacks. Making top-notch italian sausage and pasta is all about the right bits and bobs. You know?
Main Ingredients
Let's talk ingredients, yeah? This Sausage And Bow Tie Pasta Recipe is flexible, but these amounts work a charm.
- Italian sausage (sweet or hot, casings removed): 1 pound ( 450g ). Look for sausage that's firm and smells, well, sausagey ! Honestly, quality sausage makes all the difference.
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon ( 15ml )
- Yellow onion: 1 large (approx. 200g ), chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced (approx. 6g )
- Red bell pepper: 1 , cored, seeded, and sliced
- Green bell pepper: 1 , cored, seeded, and sliced
- Crushed tomatoes: 1 ( 28 ounce / 794g ) can
- Tomato sauce: 1 ( 15 ounce / 425g ) can
- Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon ( 5ml )
- Dried basil: ½ teaspoon ( 2.5ml )
- Red pepper flakes: ¼ teaspoon ( 1.25ml ) (optional, for a bit of zing!)
- Salt and pepper: To taste, naturally!
- Pasta ( Bow Tie Pasta And Sausage , penne, whatever floats your boat): 1 pound ( 450g )
- Parmesan cheese: ½ cup ( 50g ), grated
- Fresh parsley: Chopped, for garnish
Seasoning Notes
Right then, onto the spice rack. These flavour combos are key for a cracking Spicy Italian sausage pasta .
- Oregano and basil are non-negotiable, really. The dried stuff works fine, but fresh herbs? Even better!
- Red pepper flakes give it a cheeky kick. Go easy if you're not a fan of heat, yeah?
- Garlic is your mate. Don't be shy with it!
For a richer sauce, a splash of balsamic vinegar before serving works wonders.
Equipment Needed
No need for fancy gadgets, thankfully. This Italian sausage pasta recipe easy only needs a few bits:
- Large skillet or Dutch oven: For browning the sausage and making the sauce.
- Large pot: To boil the pasta, obvs!
- Colander: To drain the pasta.
- Wooden spoon: For stirring like a boss.
Don't have a Dutch oven? A big saucepan will do the trick, no worries. Just make sure it's big enough to hold everything.
I made this One pot sausage pasta a few times with a frying pan and it was fine.
Honestly, you could even bake it if you wanted a Baked Italian sausage pasta . Just chuck it all in a dish, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly.
My mum always said, "Use what you've got, love." And she's usually right!
Sausage & Peppers Pasta Perfection: The Method
Okay, darlings, let's talk method! We're diving into Italian sausage and pasta , particularly Sausage and Pepper Pasta , so get your aprons on.
Honestly, this is dead easy. Even if you've only ever managed beans on toast, you can nail this italian sausage pasta recipe easy .
Trust me!
Prep Steps: Mise en Place is Your Mate!
First, the essential mise en place . Chop your onion and peppers. Mince the garlic. Get that Italian sausage out of its packet.
It's like getting your ducks in a row before a royal visit. Saves time and stress, you know? Plus, safety first! Don't want any rogue knife accidents.
Let's Get Cooking: step-by-step Magic
- Get a big pot of salted water boiling . Chuck in your pasta penne, rigatoni, even Italian sausage and bowtie pasta works. Cook until al dente. That's with a slight bite, not mushy like baby food! Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Brown the Italian sausage . Use a big pan over medium heat with a splash of olive oil. Break it up with a spoon. We want it nicely browned. Drain off any excess fat. No one wants greasy pasta!
- Sauté the veggies. Add the onion to the pan. Cook till soft. Then, add your garlic. Let that fragrance fill your kitchen – that's proper cooking! Finally, add the bell peppers. Cook till they soften a bit, about 5- 7 minutes .
- Time for sauce! Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer. Cook for 15 minutes .
- Combine and serve. Add cooked pasta to the pan. Toss to coat. If it is too thick, add that pasta water! Serve with Parmesan and parsley.
Pro Tips: From Novice to Nearly Nigella
Here's a little insight. Want a creamy italian sausage pasta ? Stir in a dollop of cream at the end.
Mind blowing! Common mistake? Overcooking the pasta. Al dente, remember? And if you're short on time, you can cook the sauce ahead.
It actually tastes better the next day.
Enjoy your Italian Sausage and Bowtie Pasta !
Recipe Notes: Nailing That Italian Sausage and Pasta Dish
Alright, let's talk shop. You've got the recipe for this killer Italian sausage and pasta dish, but the devil is in the details, right? Think of these notes as your cheat sheet to pasta perfection.
Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro
Presentation matters, even for a weeknight meal. Honestly, a simple sprinkle of fresh parsley does wonders. Oh my gosh, the difference it makes.
For extra points, try twirling the pasta into nests on the plate. Grated Parmesan on top is a must, obviously .
What to serve with this beaut? Some crusty garlic bread for mopping up that sauce is always a winner. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness.
And if you're feeling fancy, a glass of Chianti never hurts.
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Sausage and Bow Tie Pasta tastes even better the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days .
Freezing is an option too. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer safe container. It'll keep for up to 2 months .
When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. Nobody likes dry pasta.
Variations: Make it Your Own, Mate
Want to mix things up? Totally get it. For a creamy Italian sausage pasta , stir in a dollop of mascarpone or heavy cream at the end. It's pure indulgence.
Got dietary needs? Swap the Italian sausage for plant based sausage crumbles for a vegetarian option. Or add extra veggies like courgette (zucchini) or spinach.
Honestly, the possibilities are endless. You can also swap out the Penne to Italian Sausage and Bowtie Pasta . So, you see the way that you can twist this around to make a Sausage And Bow Tie Pasta Recipe.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl
Okay, let's be real. This isn't exactly health food, but it's packed with flavour! Each serving clocks in around 550 calories , with 30g of protein to keep you full.
The Italian sausage provides protein and iron, while the tomatoes are a good source of vitamins. Remember, these are just estimates.
Portion control is key, as always. Now, how about you try this Spicy Italian sausage pasta to kick things up a notch?
So, there you have it. My tips to rock this Sausage and Pepper Pasta recipe. With these notes, you are totally ready to impress. Go on, get cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Italian sausage and pasta recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Italian sausage and pasta dish is actually even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld together. Just cook as directed, let it cool completely, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
When reheating, you might need to add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
What's the best way to store leftover Italian sausage and pasta?
Store any leftover Italian sausage and pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. Ensure the pasta is cooled before refrigerating to maintain its texture.
For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions for up to 2 months just be aware that the pasta texture might change slightly after thawing.
I don't have all the ingredients are there any substitutions I can make for this italian sausage and pasta?
Of course! If you don't have crushed tomatoes, tomato puree works just as well. For the Italian sausage, you can use any type of sausage you like, or even ground beef or turkey. Bell peppers can be subbed out for other veggies like zucchini or mushrooms. Don't have dried oregano or basil? Use Italian seasoning.
Get creative it's your kitchen, after all!
How can I make this Italian sausage and pasta healthier?
To lighten things up a bit, consider using lean Italian chicken or turkey sausage. Whole wheat pasta is a great way to add fiber. Load up on the veggies by adding more bell peppers, spinach, or even chopped kale. Reducing the amount of cheese used and using low-fat Parmesan can also help lower the overall fat content.
It's all about making smart swaps!
My sauce is too thick/thin how can I fix it in this italian sausage and pasta recipe?
If your sauce is too thick, stir in a little bit of the reserved pasta water, chicken broth, or even plain water until you reach your desired consistency. If it's too thin, simmer it for a bit longer uncovered to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
You could also add a tablespoon of tomato paste to help thicken it up. Just taste and adjust seasonings as needed!
Can I add cream to this Italian sausage and pasta for a creamier sauce?
You bet you can! Stirring in a dollop of heavy cream, crème fraîche, or even mascarpone cheese at the very end of cooking will add a lovely richness and creamy texture. Just add a small amount at a time, tasting as you go, until you reach your desired level of creaminess.
It's like a little hug for your taste buds!
Sausage Peppers Pasta Perfection A Weeknight Won
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 55g |
