Yields: 4-6 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild, sweet, or hot, depending on your preference)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 12 ounces short pasta (penne, rotini, farfalle all work well)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage to a plate.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the bell peppers, onion, and garlic to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
- Season and Simmer: Stir in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using). Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, and cooked sausage back to the skillet. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook the Pasta: Stir the pasta into the simmering sauce. Cover and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened.
- Finishing Touches: Stir in the Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper, if needed.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil, if desired, and enjoy immediately!
Tips
- Customization: Use any type of short pasta you have on hand. For a gluten-free option, choose gluten-free pasta.
- More veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.
- Spice it up: If you like extra spice, add a pinch more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce.
- Make ahead: This dish is great for meal prep – the flavors intensify over time! Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
