Penne with Smoky Sausage and Bell Peppers
A vibrant and hearty dish combining smoky sausage, colorful bell peppers, and al dente penne pasta, perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce Base
- 8 oz penne pasta Cook until al dente.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For sautéing.
- 1 onion, chopped Adds sweetness and flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Adds depth of flavor.
- 1 lb smoky sausage, sliced For the smoky flavor.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced Adds sweetness and color.
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced Adds sweetness and color.
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes Base for the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Herbs for flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste To season.
- Fresh basil for garnish For serving.
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté the onion and garlic until the onion is soft and translucent.
Cooking
- Add the smoky sausage and brown for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Incorporate the sliced bell peppers and cook for about 5 minutes until tender but still crunchy.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes and Italian seasoning, then let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Fold in the cooked penne pasta, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir everything until heated through and serve.
Notes
For added flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of broth after sautéing the sausage. This recipe allows for seasonal variations and spice adjustments.