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Easy Skillet Italian Sausage and Pepper Pasta Recipe for Quick Dinners

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A quick and hearty one-pan Italian sausage and pepper pasta that combines bold flavors with minimal cleanup, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)
  • 2 large bell peppers, thinly sliced (preferably a mix of red and yellow)
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 ounces dried penne or rigatoni pasta
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

  1. Slice the bell peppers and onion thinly. Mince the garlic. Remove the sausage from casings if using links, then roughly crumble it. This step should take about 10 minutes.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the crumbled sausage and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until nicely browned but not fully cooked through. Use a wooden spoon to break up large chunks.
  3. Push the sausage to the side of the skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then toss in the onions and bell peppers. Cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized, stirring frequently. Add the garlic and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) during the last minute.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and add the dry pasta directly into the skillet. Stir everything together to distribute evenly. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and cover with a lid.
  5. Let the pasta cook in the broth for about 12-15 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking. The pasta will absorb most of the liquid. If it looks too dry before the pasta is tender, add a splash more broth or water.
  6. Once the pasta is al dente and the liquid is mostly absorbed, taste and adjust salt and pepper. If desired, stir in a little grated Parmesan or a splash of cream. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to meld everything together.
  7. Serve the pasta warm, topped with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs like basil or parsley if available.

Notes

Do not skip browning the sausage well to develop flavor. Let peppers and onions caramelize slightly for sweetness. Cook pasta in broth to absorb flavor and reduce cleanup. Stir frequently to prevent sticking. Adjust liquid as needed to avoid dry or soggy pasta. Variations include using turkey sausage, plant-based sausage, or different pasta shapes. For creamier texture, add a splash of cream or mascarpone at the end.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian sausage pasta, skillet pasta, quick dinner, one-pan meal, sausage and peppers, easy pasta recipe, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/easy-skillet-italian-sausage-and-pepper-pasta-recipe-for-quick-dinners/