If you’re looking for a dish that’s bold, comforting, and simple to make, Sweet Pepper Sausage Pasta checks all those boxes. Juicy sausage, vibrant sweet peppers, and a luscious tomato sauce tossed with pasta—it’s weeknight magic.
In this guide, we’ll cover the recipe, tips, variations, serving ideas, FAQs, and everything else you need to master this dish.
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Why You’ll Love Sweet Pepper Sausage Pasta
- Bold flavors from sausage + sweet peppers
- Easy one-pan cooking (minimal cleanup!)
- Feeds the whole family with hearty portions
- Great for meal prep; leftovers taste even better
- Customizable with creamy, spicy, or veggie twists
Key Ingredients
Choosing the Right Sausage
Sweet Italian sausage is classic, but spicy Italian or even chorizo works if you want more heat. Slice into bite-sized rounds for even cooking.
Best Peppers for the Recipe
Use red, yellow, and orange bell peppers for a colorful plate. Slice evenly so they sauté at the same rate.
Pantry Staples You’ll Need
- Onion & garlic (flavor foundation)
- Crushed tomatoes (or fresh if in season)
- Olive oil
- Pasta (penne, rigatoni, fusilli, or spaghetti)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
How to Make Sweet Pepper Sausage Pasta (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Heat olive oil in a skillet, add sausage slices, and brown until golden. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Onion, Garlic, and Peppers
In the same pan, add onion and cook until translucent. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes. Toss in bell peppers and sauté 4–5 minutes.
Step 3: Simmer the Tomato Sauce
Return sausage to pan, add crushed tomatoes, season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 8–10 minutes. Adjust acidity with a pinch of sugar if needed.
Step 4: Cook and Drain the Pasta
Meanwhile, cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of cooking water before draining.
Step 5: Combine Pasta, Sausage, and Peppers
Add pasta to the skillet. Toss vigorously. Add a splash of pasta water if sauce is too thick.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish with fresh basil or parsley. Sprinkle Parmesan if desired. Serve piping hot.
Serving Sweet Pepper Sausage Pasta
Perfect Side Dishes
Pair with garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables.
For a refreshing drink, try this Hibiscus Tea Pineapple Smoothie it balances the hearty pasta beautifully.
- Garlic Parmesan pasta lovers will enjoy this one too—a buttery, cheesy dish that’s quick and addictive.
- Another irresistible creamy chicken pasta that people can’t stop talking about.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate up to 4 days in airtight containers.
- Reheat gently with a splash of water or extra sauce.
- Freeze for up to 2 months (without fresh herbs).
Variations of Sweet Pepper Sausage Pasta
Creamy Sweet Pepper Sausage Pasta
Stir in heavy cream, mascarpone, or ricotta for a rich, velvety version.
Vegetarian or Vegan Version
Use plant-based sausage or swap in mushrooms and zucchini.
Spicy Sausage and Pepper Pasta
Choose spicy sausage or add hot chili flakes. Toss in fresh chili peppers for extra kick.
FAQs
Yes, cook fully and refrigerate. Reheat with a splash of water for best texture.
Sweet Italian sausage is most common, but spicy or smoked sausage works too.
Short shapes like penne or rigatoni hold sauce and sausage best.
Yes, just peel, seed, and crush ripe tomatoes. Simmer longer to reduce liquid.
Sweet Pepper Sausage Pasta
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Juicy sausage, vibrant sweet peppers, and a luscious tomato sauce tossed with pasta — a bold, comforting meal perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (350 g) Italian or smoked sausage
- 2–3 sweet bell peppers (mixed colors)
- 1 medium onion
- 3–4 garlic cloves
- 14 oz crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1–2 Tbsp olive oil
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or similar)
- Handful fresh basil or parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Brown sausage slices until golden and nearly cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté chopped onion until translucent (2–3 minutes). Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cook until fragrant (30 seconds).
- Add sliced bell peppers and cook 4–5 minutes until slightly softened.
- Return sausage to skillet. Pour in crushed tomatoes and stir. Add splash of pasta water if needed. Simmer 8–10 minutes.
- Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, or pinch of sugar. For creaminess, stir in 1–2 Tbsp cream.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water. Drain.
- Add pasta to sauce, tossing well. Adjust consistency with pasta water. Simmer 1–2 minutes.
- Remove from heat, stir in fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot with Parmesan or extra chili flakes.
Notes
Slice sausage evenly, cut peppers uniformly, and always reserve pasta water for adjusting sauce. Leftovers reheat beautifully.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Final Thoughts
Sweet Pepper Sausage Pasta is a vibrant, hearty, and comforting meal that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. With colorful peppers, smoky sausage, and a rich sauce, it’s perfect for weeknights or entertaining.
Serve it with garlic bread, a green salad, and maybe that refreshing Hibiscus Tea Pineapple Smoothie. Cook it once, and you’ll add it to your dinner rotation forever.
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