Print

Sweet Pepper and Sausage Pasta

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This Sweet Pepper and Sausage Pasta is a simple, hearty dish featuring Italian sausage, jammy caramelized bell peppers, and your favorite short-cut pasta. A touch of balsamic vinegar and brown sugar enhances the flavors, making it a perfect weeknight comfort meal.

Ingredients

Scale

  1. ½ lb mild or spicy Italian sausage, casings removed

  2. 2 tbsp tomato paste, divided

  3. 2 tbsp olive oil, divided

  4. ½ sweet onion, thinly sliced

  5. 2 medium red or yellow bell peppers, sliced

  6. 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

  7. 1½ tsp light brown sugar

  8. 1 tsp dried oregano

  9. 1 tsp balsamic vinegar

  10. 8 oz dry short-cut pasta (rigatoni, penne, or fusilli)

  11. Kosher salt, to taste

  12. ½ cup reserved pasta water

  13. Toasted breadcrumbs, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  • Cook the Sausage:
    Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned and just cooked through. Stir in 1 tbsp tomato paste and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until caramelized. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

  • Caramelize the Peppers & Onions:
    In the same pan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and bell peppers. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring often, until softened and caramelized. Stir in the remaining 1 tbsp tomato paste, garlic, brown sugar, oregano, and balsamic vinegar. Season with kosher salt and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until jammy. If the peppers start to dry out, add a splash of water and let it simmer.

  • Cook the Pasta:
    Meanwhile, cook the pasta in generously salted boiling water 1 minute less than the package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.

 

  • Combine & Serve:
    Add the pasta and cooked sausage back into the skillet with the peppers. Pour in ¼ cup reserved pasta water, stirring for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta. Add more pasta water as needed for a silky texture. Serve immediately, topped with toasted breadcrumbs, if desired.

Notes

  • For a bit of crunch, try adding toasted breadcrumbs on top for serving.

 

  • You can substitute the pasta with your favorite type, including gluten-free options.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://grandmarecipesflash.com/sweet-pepper-and-sausage-pasta/