Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure! This Zesty Penne with Sausage and Peppers is not just a meal—it's a vibrant Italian-inspired symphony of flavors that will transport you straight to the bustling streets of Naples. In just 30 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that combines spicy Italian sausage, sweet caramelized bell peppers, and perfectly cooked pasta, guaranteed to impress even the most discerning food lovers.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add penne pasta to boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sliced Italian sausage and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking it into smaller pieces, until browned and cooked through.
- Remove sausage from skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften and caramelize.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Cook for an additional 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Return cooked sausage to the skillet with vegetables. Stir to combine and heat through.
- Add cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water if needed to create a light sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the dish.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional basil if desired. Optionally, top with grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, use high-quality Italian sausage and don't be afraid to let it brown nicely before adding vegetables.
- Save some pasta water! The starchy liquid helps create a silky sauce and helps ingredients cling together beautifully.
- Cut your vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking and a professional presentation.
- Fresh basil is key—add it at the very end to preserve its bright, aromatic flavor.
- For extra heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce.
- Want to make it creamy? Stir in a few tablespoons of mascarpone or cream cheese at the end.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 546kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 75mg
