Name: Sausage and Peppers Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil (or any neutral oil (e.g. canola, grapeseed, avocado, etc)); 20 oz Italian sausage (5 links ); 1 lb pasta, cooked about a minute under al dente; 1 medium onion, thinly sliced; 2 bell peppers, thinly sliced; 1 tbsp minced garlic; 2 tsp salt; 1 tbsp onion powder; 1 tbsp garlic powder; 1/2 tbsp Italian seasoning; 1/8 tsp black pepper; 4 tbsp butter; 1 cup grated parmesan cheese (plus additional for topping ); 3 tbsp fresh chopped parsley* (optional ); 1 cup reserved pasta water* (optional )

Looking for a quick, easy dinner that the whole family will love? Look no further than this Sausage and Peppers Pasta! It’s a delicious one-pan meal that brings the classic flavors of Italian sausage and peppers to your pasta bowl. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and is sure to become a favorite. Plus, it’s simple, kid-friendly, and makes for fantastic leftovers.

final dish of sausage and pepper pasta on a plate with salad pairing

What Kind of Sausages Should I Use?

For this recipe, I used Premio Sweet Italian Sausages from Costco, which add a perfect blend of flavor and tenderness to the dish. However, if you like a bit of heat, Spicy Italian Sausage or a mix of both can be just the kick you are looking for.

Premio Sweet Italian Sausage from Costco being cut

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

A light, parmesan-based sauce pairs wonderfully with virtually any pasta.

I suggest choosing a sturdy pasta that holds the sauce well, such as farfalle, ziti, penne, orecchiette, casarecce, or gemelli. These shapes ensure each bite is as flavorful as the last.

adding the pasta to hot water in the pan

Tips to Making Sausage and Peppers Pasta

Want some tomatoes?: Feel free to add chopped tomatoes or tomato sauce for a richer flavor.
Spice It Up: A dash of red pepper flakes can introduce a warm kick that complements the sausage and peppers beautifully.
Perfect Consistency: Reserve some starchy pasta water to adjust the sauce’s thickness, ensuring your pasta is perfectly coated.

Ingredients:

2 tbsp olive oil (or any neutral oil: e.g. canola, grapeseed, avocado, etc)
20 oz Italian sausage (5 links)
1 lb pasta, cooked about a minute under al dente
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
2 bell peppers, thinly sliced
1 tbsp minced garlic
2 tsp salt
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tbsp garlic powder
1/2 tbsp Italian seasoning
1/8 tsp black pepper
4 tbsp butter
1 cup grated parmesan cheese (plus additional for topping)
3 tbsp fresh chopped parsley (optional)
1 cup reserved pasta water (optional)

How to Make It (Recipe Steps):

Start with the Sausage: Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add your sausage links, cooking until they’re nicely browned all around. Once they’re done, take them out, slice them into bite-size coins, and set them aside. This is where the flavor starts!
Pasta Time: Cook your pasta according to the package instructions but stop about a minute early for that perfect al dente texture. Don’t forget to save a cup of the pasta water before you drain it. Set your pasta aside.
Veggies Next: In the same pan (because who likes washing extra dishes?), add a bit more oil if needed and toss in the onions and peppers. Sauté them until the onions are beautifully caramelized and the peppers are just soft.
Flavor Bomb: It’s time to make everything sing. Add the butter, minced garlic, and all your seasonings (salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning) to the pan. Give it a good mix and sauté until the garlic is toasted and fragrant (about 1-2 minutes).
Bring It All Together: Now, add the cooked pasta and the sliced sausage back to the pan. Sprinkle in the grated parmesan and get mixing. If the pasta feels dry, drizzle in that reserved pasta water to loosen up the pasta.
Finishing Touches: Plate up your masterpiece and (optionally) give it a generous topping of more grated parmesan. If you’re feeling fancy, scatter over some chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

How to Serve Sausage and Peppers Pasta

Light Salad Pairing: A fresh salad with a tangy vinegary dressing is the perfect complement to this hearty dish. It adds a crisp, refreshing balance. Check out this salad idea here.
Garlic Bread on the Side: For those who love a bit of garlic, serving this pasta with a side of roasted garlic bread makes for a complete, satisfying meal. Find a great garlic bread recipe here.