One-Pot

Penne With Sausage And Peppers

Name: Penne With Sausage And Peppers
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) penne pasta; 1 lb (450g) sweet Italian sausage, casings removed; 2 large bell peppers, sliced; 1 large onion, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups (475ml) canned crushed tomatoes; 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth; 1 tsp (5g) dried basil; 1 tsp (5g) dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp (30g) olive oil; 1/4 cup (30g) grated Parmesan cheese

By Marcus Vanover · June 19, 2026 · One-Pot

Prep20 min

Cook30 min

Total50 min

Serves4

As I stand at my kitchen counter, surrounded by the aromas of sizzling sausage and simmering peppers, I am reminded of the countless nights my family gathered around the dinner table, sharing stories and laughter over a warm, comforting meal. My Penne With Sausage And Peppers recipe is more than just a dish - it's a way to bring people together, to create memories that will last a lifetime.

This recipe is a staple in my household, a go-to for those busy weeknights when I need to whip up something quick, yet satisfying. The combination of spicy Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, and al dente penne pasta, all tossed in a rich and tangy tomato sauce, is a match made in heaven. And the best part? It's incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques.

As a home cook, I understand the importance of having a repertoire of reliable, delicious recipes that can be made with minimal fuss. That's why I'm excited to share my Penne With Sausage And Peppers recipe with you, in the hopes that it will become a staple in your household as well. So grab a pen, take a deep breath, and let's get cooking!

One of the things I love about this recipe is its versatility. You can customize it to suit your tastes, adding in your favorite vegetables or using different types of sausage. And because it's a one-pot dish, cleanup is a breeze - just toss everything into the pot and let the magic happen.

So what are you waiting for? Let's dive into the world of Italian cuisine and create a dish that will leave your family and friends begging for more. With its rich flavors, hearty portions, and ease of preparation, my Penne With Sausage And Peppers recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal cleanup, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
The combination of spicy Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, and tangy tomato sauce is a match made in heaven.
The dish is highly customizable, allowing you to add in your favorite vegetables or use different types of sausage.
The recipe is perfect for a crowd, as it makes a large quantity of food that's sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
The dish is also budget-friendly, as it uses affordable ingredients and can be made in large batches.
The recipe is a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables, as it includes bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes.
The dish is perfect for a special occasion, as it's impressive and delicious, yet easy to make.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to this recipe's success lies in its balance of flavors and textures. The spicy Italian sausage adds a nice kick, while the sweet bell peppers provide a pop of color and a touch of sweetness. The penne pasta, with its tube-like shape, holds onto the sauce perfectly, ensuring that each bite is coated in the rich, tangy tomato sauce.

But what really makes this recipe work is the way the ingredients come together to create a dish that's greater than the sum of its parts. The sausage and peppers are cooked in a way that brings out their natural sweetness, while the tomato sauce adds a depth of flavor that's hard to resist. And because everything is cooked in one pot, the flavors have a chance to meld together, creating a dish that's truly cohesive and delicious.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the use of high-quality ingredients. Fresh bell peppers, ripe tomatoes, and spicy Italian sausage all make a big difference in the final product. And because the recipe is relatively simple, you can focus on using the best ingredients you can find, rather than relying on complicated cooking techniques to mask any flaws.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making my Penne With Sausage And Peppers recipe, the ingredients are just as important as the cooking technique. That's why I've carefully selected a range of high-quality ingredients that will help bring out the best flavors in the dish. From the spicy Italian sausage to the sweet bell peppers, each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a truly delicious meal.

So what are the key ingredients you'll need to make this recipe? Let's take a look at the list below and explore the importance of each component in more detail.

1 lb (450g) penne pastaPenne pasta is a type of tube-shaped pasta that holds onto sauces perfectly, making it ideal for this recipe. Look for high-quality penne pasta that's made from durum wheat semolina and has a rough texture to help the sauce cling to it.
1 lb (450g) sweet Italian sausage, casings removedSweet Italian sausage is a type of sausage that's flavored with fennel and anise, giving it a unique and delicious taste. Look for high-quality sausage that's made from pork and has a good balance of meat and fat.
2 large bell peppers, slicedBell peppers add a sweet and crunchy texture to the dish, as well as a pop of color. Look for bell peppers that are firm and have a glossy appearance, and slice them into thin strips to help them cook evenly.
1 large onion, slicedOnions add a depth of flavor to the dish, as well as a bit of sweetness. Look for onions that are firm and have a sweet aroma, and slice them into thin rings to help them cook evenly.
3 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic is a fundamental ingredient in many Italian dishes, and it adds a pungent flavor to the sauce. Look for high-quality garlic that's fresh and has a strong aroma, and mince it finely to help it distribute evenly throughout the dish.
2 cups (475ml) canned crushed tomatoesCrushed tomatoes are a staple ingredient in many Italian dishes, and they provide a rich and tangy base for the sauce. Look for high-quality crushed tomatoes that are made from San Marzano tomatoes and have a low acidity level.
1 cup (240ml) chicken brothChicken broth adds moisture and flavor to the dish, helping to create a rich and savory sauce. Look for high-quality chicken broth that's low in sodium and has a rich, chickeny flavor.
1 tsp (5g) dried basilBasil is a fundamental herb in many Italian dishes, and it adds a bright and refreshing flavor to the sauce. Look for high-quality dried basil that's fresh and has a strong aroma, and use it sparingly to avoid overwhelming the other flavors.
1 tsp (5g) dried oreganoOregano is a pungent and earthy herb that adds depth and complexity to the sauce. Look for high-quality dried oregano that's fresh and has a strong aroma, and use it sparingly to avoid overwhelming the other flavors.
Salt and pepper to tasteSalt and pepper are essential seasonings that help bring out the flavors in the dish. Use them sparingly to avoid overwhelming the other ingredients, and adjust to taste as needed.
2 tbsp (30g) olive oilOlive oil is a healthy and flavorful oil that's perfect for cooking the sausage and vegetables. Look for high-quality olive oil that's extra-virgin and has a rich, fruity flavor, and use it sparingly to avoid overpowering the other ingredients.
1/4 cup (30g) grated Parmesan cheeseParmesan cheese is a nutty and savory cheese that adds a rich and creamy texture to the dish. Look for high-quality Parmesan cheese that's fresh and has a strong aroma, and grate it finely to help it distribute evenly throughout the sauce.

Ingredients for Penne With Sausage And Peppers

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy pot or Dutch oven with a lidSharp chef's knifeCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsWooden spoon or silicone spatulaInstant-read thermometer

How to Make Penne With Sausage And Peppers

1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it's al dente, then reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the penne.
2
In a large heavy pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until it's shimmering, then add the sliced onion and cook until it's translucent and starting to caramelize, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Add the sliced bell peppers to the pot and cook until they're tender and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4
Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it's fragrant and lightly browned.
5
Add the sweet Italian sausage to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, and cook until it's no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
6
Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, dried basil, and dried oregano to the pot, stirring to combine, then bring the sauce to a simmer.
7
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minutes, until it's thickened and the flavors have melded together.
8
Add the reserved pasta water to the sauce and stir to combine, then add the cooked penne pasta to the pot, tossing to coat the pasta in the sauce.
9
Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it's melted and creamy.
10
Serve the penne pasta hot, topped with additional Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of parsley if desired.
11
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving, to allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh vegetables and good-quality sausage, to ensure the best flavor.
Don't overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook a bit after it's drained.
Reserve some of the pasta water before draining the penne, as it can be added to the sauce to achieve the right consistency.
Let the sauce simmer for at least 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.
Stir the sauce occasionally as it simmers to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce and stir until it's melted and creamy, to add a rich and creamy texture to the dish.
Serve the penne pasta hot, topped with additional Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of parsley if desired, to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving, to allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the pasta, which can make it mushy and unappetizing.
Not reserving enough pasta water, which can result in a sauce that's too thick and sticky.
Not letting the sauce simmer for long enough, which can result in a sauce that's not flavorful or thick enough.
Not stirring the sauce occasionally as it simmers, which can cause it to stick to the bottom of the pot and burn.
Not using high-quality ingredients, which can result in a dish that's not flavorful or textured.
Not letting the dish rest for a few minutes before serving, which can result in a sauce that's not thickened and a pasta that's not coated evenly.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced ham or bacon to the sauce for added smokiness and flavor.
Use different types of sausage, such as chorizo or sweet Italian sausage, to change up the flavor profile.
Add some chopped mushrooms or bell peppers to the sauce for added texture and flavor.
Use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or ricotta, to change up the flavor and texture of the dish.
Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, to the sauce for added freshness and flavor.
Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish more accessible to those with dietary restrictions.
Add some spice to the sauce, such as red pepper flakes, to give it a kick of heat.

What to Serve With Penne With Sausage And Peppers

This penne pasta dish is perfect for serving as a main course, accompanied by a simple green salad or a side of garlic bread. You can also serve it as a side dish, paired with a grilled chicken or fish dish. The key is to keep the sides simple, to allow the flavors of the pasta to shine through.

Some other ideas for serving this dish include adding some sautéed spinach or cherry tomatoes to the sauce, or using different types of cheese to change up the flavor profile. You could also serve the pasta with a dollop of ricotta cheese or a sprinkle of parsley, to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.

Serve with a simple green saladServe with a side of garlic breadServe with a grilled chicken or fish dishAdd some sautéed spinach or cherry tomatoes to the sauceUse different types of cheese to change up the flavor profileAdd a dollop of ricotta cheese or a sprinkle of parsley to the top of the dish

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This penne pasta dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 2 months. To store it in the refrigerator, simply let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. To freeze it, let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag and freeze.

To reheat the dish, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until it's hot and steaming. You can also add a splash of water or chicken broth to the sauce to thin it out, if it's become too thick during storage.

One of the benefits of this dish is that it can be made ahead of time, which makes it perfect for meal prep or batch cooking. Simply cook the pasta and sauce, then store it in the refrigerator or freezer until you're ready to serve it. You can also customize the dish to suit your tastes, by adding in your favorite vegetables or using different types of sausage.

Overall, this penne pasta dish is a versatile and convenient option for a quick and delicious meal. With its rich and savory sauce, its hearty portion size, and its ease of storage and reheating, it's a dish that's sure to become a staple in your household.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of sausage should I use for this recipe?

You can use any type of sausage you like, but sweet Italian sausage works particularly well in this dish. Look for sausage that's made from pork and has a good balance of meat and fat, and that's seasoned with fennel and anise for added flavor.

Can I use gluten-free pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta for this recipe. Simply cook the pasta according to the package instructions, then toss it with the sauce and serve. Keep in mind that gluten-free pasta can be more delicate than traditional pasta, so be gentle when tossing it with the sauce to avoid breaking it.

How long can I store this dish in the refrigerator?

You can store this dish in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. When you're ready to serve it, simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until it's hot and steaming.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze this dish. Simply let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag and freeze. When you're ready to serve it, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until it's hot and steaming.

What's the best way to reheat this dish?

The best way to reheat this dish is to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until it's hot and steaming. You can also add a splash of water or chicken broth to the sauce to thin it out, if it's become too thick during storage.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Simply cook the pasta and sauce, then store it in the refrigerator or freezer until you're ready to serve it. This makes it a great option for meal prep or batch cooking.

What's the best way to customize this dish?

The best way to customize this dish is to add in your favorite vegetables or use different types of sausage. You can also use different types of cheese or add some spice to the sauce to give it a kick of heat. The key is to experiment and find the combination that works best for you.

Is this dish suitable for a crowd?

Yes, this dish is perfect for a crowd. Simply cook the pasta and sauce in large quantities, then serve it hot and steaming. You can also customize the dish to suit your crowd's tastes, by adding in different vegetables or using different types of sausage.

Can I serve this dish as a side?

Yes, you can serve this dish as a side. Simply cook the pasta and sauce, then serve it alongside a grilled chicken or fish dish. The key is to keep the sides simple, to allow the flavors of the pasta to shine through.

The Full Recipe

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