Sausage Pasta

Name: Sausage Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb Italian sausage links, casings removed; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 yellow onion, diced; 2 bell peppers, sliced (red, yellow, or mixed); 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp dried basil; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 lg can crushed tomatoes (14/28 oz cans); 1 cup chicken broth; 1 lb pasta, penne, rigatoni, or similar; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped

A hearty pasta dish featuring savory Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, and onions in a rich tomato sauce. This comforting meal comes together quickly and delivers bold Italian flavors in every bite.

40 minEasyServes 4520 cal/serving

ItalianDinnerStovetopStandardHigh ProteinAlcohol-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

1 lb Italian sausage links, casings removed
2 tbsp olive oil
1 yellow onion, diced
2 bell peppers, sliced (red, yellow, or mixed)
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 lg can crushed tomatoes (14/28 oz cans)
1 cup chicken broth
1 lb pasta, penne, rigatoni, or similar
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped

Instructions

1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
2

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat.
3

Add the 1 lb casings removed Italian sausage links, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
4

Add 1 diced yellow onion and 2 sliced (red, yellow, or mixed) bell peppers to the skillet. Cook until vegetables begin to soften, about 4-5 minutes.
5

Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 1 tsp dried basil. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
6

Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to caramelize slightly.
7

Pour in 1 lg can crushed tomatoes (14/28 oz cans) and 1 cup chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and reduce heat to medium-low. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper to taste.
8

Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
9

Meanwhile, cook the 1 lb penne, rigatoni, or similar pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
10

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
11

Stir in half of the 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted.
12

Serve hot, garnished with remaining Parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup torn or chopped fresh basil leaves.

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Questions

What internal temperature should Sausage Pasta reach?

For Sausage Pasta, the target internal temperature is 160 F (about 70 C), given in step 3. A probe thermometer removes the guesswork.

Why save the pasta water for Sausage Pasta?

Step 10 reads: "If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency." The water is full of starch. Added back as step 10 directs, it emulsifies the sauce so it clings to the pasta instead of pooling in the bowl.

Can I use plain ground pork instead of Italian sausage in Sausage Pasta?

Yes. Season each pound of ground pork with a teaspoon of fennel seed, a teaspoon of paprika, two cloves of garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes. As written, the entry for Sausage Pasta uses 1 lb Italian sausage links, casings removed.

Can I make Sausage Pasta less spicy?

Yes. The heat in Sausage Pasta comes from 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes. For a milder plate, halve the red pepper flakes; nothing else in the method changes.

Can I make Sausage Pasta gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in Sausage Pasta is 1 lb pasta, penne, rigatoni, or similar. Swap the pasta for a gluten-free one, cooked a minute short of its package time. Everything else proceeds as written.

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