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In today's fast-paced world, the comfort of home-cooked meals holds a special place in our hearts, often serving as a bridge that brings families and friends together around the dinner table. Among the myriad of options available, pasta dishes stand out, offering a delightful combination of simplicity and satisfaction. This is especially true for the Spicy Sausage & Pepper Skillet Pasta, a dish that elevates the traditional pasta experience with a tantalizing kick. Perfectly balancing flavors and textures, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, allowing you to serve up something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

Sausage & Pepper Skillet Pasta

Discover the joy of home-cooked meals with this Spicy Sausage & Pepper Skillet Pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pan dish combines flavorful Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, and hearty penne pasta for a satisfying dinner that requires minimal cleanup. With its customizable ingredients and robust flavors, this recipe is ideal for both family dinners and casual gatherings. Learn how to whip up this delightful meal that brings loved ones together, creating lasting memories.
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Ingredients
  

12 oz (340g) penne pasta

2 tbsp olive oil

1 lb (450g) mild Italian sausage, casings removed

1 red bell pepper, sliced

1 yellow bell pepper, sliced

1 medium onion, sliced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices

1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)

1 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)

1/4 tsp black pepper

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water.

    Sauté the Sausage: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.

      Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and cook until they're soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the sliced bell peppers and cook for another 5 minutes, until the peppers are tender. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for another minute until fragrant.

        Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the canned diced tomatoes (with juices), chicken broth, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer.

          Mix Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta in the sausage and pepper sauce. If necessary, add small amounts of reserved pasta water to reach desired sauce consistency.

            Add Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, combining until melted and creamy.

              Garnish and Serve: Serve the skillet pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil and additional Parmesan if desired.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 30 min | 4 servings