Description
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
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1/2 lb mild or spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
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2 tbsp tomato paste, divided
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2 tbsp olive oil, divided
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1/2 sweet onion, thinly sliced
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2 medium red or yellow bell peppers, sliced
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3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
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1 1/2 tsp light brown sugar
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1 tsp dried oregano
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1 tsp balsamic vinegar
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8 oz dry short-cut pasta (rigatoni, penne, or fusilli)
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Kosher salt, to taste
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1/2 cup reserved pasta water
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Toasted breadcrumbs, for serving (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook the Sausage:
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Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add the sausage and cook until browned and just cooked through.
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Stir in 1 tbsp tomato paste and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until caramelized.
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Transfer to a plate and set aside.
2. Caramelize the Peppers & Onions:
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In the same pan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
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Add the onions and bell peppers. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring often, until softened and caramelized.
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Stir in the remaining 1 tbsp tomato paste, garlic, brown sugar, oregano, and balsamic vinegar.
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Season with kosher salt and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until jammy.
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If the peppers start to dry out, add a splash of water and let it simmer.
3. Cook the Pasta:
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Meanwhile, cook the pasta in generously salted boiling water 1 minute less than the package instructions.
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Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
4. Combine & Serve:
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Add the pasta and cooked sausage back into the skillet with the peppers.
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Pour in ¼ cup reserved pasta water, stirring for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta.
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Add more pasta water as needed for a silky texture.
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Serve immediately, topped with toasted breadcrumbs, if desired.
Notes
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Spicy Kick: Use spicy Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
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Make it Lighter: Swap sausage for ground turkey or chicken sausage.
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Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based sausage or substitute mushrooms.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 45mg