Pasta with spicy sausage, sweet bell peppers, and a rich tomato sauce delivers vibrant flavors and simple comfort.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 oz penne or rigatoni
→ Meats
02 - 10 oz spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
→ Vegetables
03 - 1 red bell pepper, sliced
04 - 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
05 - 1 small onion, thinly sliced
06 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
→ Sauce & Seasonings
07 - 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
08 - 1 tablespoon tomato paste
09 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or more to taste
11 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
12 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
13 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
→ Finishing
14 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
15 - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 - Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package directions, then reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining. Set cooked pasta aside.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, and sauté until browned, about 5 minutes.
03 - In the same skillet, add onion, garlic, and both bell peppers. Cook, stirring frequently, until vegetables are softened, approximately 5 minutes.
04 - Stir in tomato paste, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, and oregano. Cook for 1 minute until aromatic.
05 - Pour in crushed tomatoes and season with salt and black pepper. Simmer gently for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens.
06 - Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat. Add reserved pasta water gradually, as needed, to adjust sauce texture.
07 - Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the dish and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately while hot.
