A delicious and hearty pasta dish that comes together in just 25 minutes! Savory Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, and a rich tomato sauce blend perfectly, while the magic of reserved pasta water makes the sauce silky and clingy.
Why This Recipe Works
- Quick and simple — great for busy weeknights
- Balanced flavors — the sweetness of bell peppers contrasts the savory sausage
- Silky sauce — reserved pasta water thickens and binds the sauce to every piece of pasta
- Flexible — you can swap ingredients based on what you have or dietary preferences
- Crowd favorite — a comforting, satisfying meal everyone will enjoy
Ingredients and Their Purpose
- Penne pasta: Its tubular shape holds sauce well. You can also use rotini, bow ties, or your favorite pasta shape.
- Ground Italian sausage: Adds rich, seasoned meat flavor. Use pork or chicken sausage, sweet or spicy depending on your taste.
- Red and yellow bell peppers: Bring sweetness, color, and freshness. Slice them thin for even cooking.
- Onion: Adds depth and natural sweetness. Dice finely or coarsely depending on your texture preference.
- Canned diced tomatoes: The base for the tomato sauce. Whole peeled tomatoes crushed by hand can also work.
- Italian seasoning: A mix of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme that boosts flavor.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds umami and a salty kick. Freshly grated melts beautifully over the hot pasta.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning both the pasta water and the dish itself.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a generous amount of salt—about 1 tablespoon for every 4 quarts of water. Add the pasta and cook until just al dente, usually about 1–2 minutes less than the package recommends to avoid overcooking later. Before draining, carefully scoop out and reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. This starchy water is key to creating a silky sauce that clings perfectly to the noodles. Drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Brown the Sausage
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and mostly cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. If there’s excess fat in the pan, carefully drain it off to avoid a greasy final dish.
3. Sauté the Onions
Add diced onions to the skillet with the sausage. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions soften and turn translucent—about 2 to 3 minutes. This step releases their natural sweetness and builds a flavorful base.
4. Add Bell Peppers and Tomatoes
Stir in the sliced bell peppers and cook for 2 to 3 minutes to start softening them. Then add the canned diced tomatoes with their juices along with the Italian seasoning. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer gently for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The peppers will become tender, and the sauce will thicken slightly.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked and drained pasta to the skillet (or mix everything together in a large pot if that’s easier). Toss well to combine. If the sauce feels too thick or dry, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired saucy consistency. This step helps the sauce coat the pasta beautifully.
6. Serve
Plate the pasta and finish by sprinkling freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top. Serve immediately while warm and melty.
Pro Tips
- Salt your pasta water generously—this is the only chance to season the pasta itself.
- The reserved pasta water contains starch, which thickens and binds the sauce for perfect coating.
- Sweet Italian sausage works well for mild flavor, while spicy sausage adds a nice kick if you like heat.
- To mix things up, toss in some red pepper flakes, fresh spinach, or swap in plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water to revive the sauce.
- This dish freezes well for up to two months; just thaw and reheat gently.