Description
A flavorful Italian Sausage and Peppers Pasta combining tender ziti pasta with savory sweet Italian sausage, sautéed bell peppers, onions, and a tangy tomato sauce infused with balsamic vinegar. This delicious and hearty 30-minute dinner is perfect for a family meal with fresh, robust flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces ziti pasta
Sausage and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 ounces sweet Italian sausages (casings removed)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
- 4 large cloves of garlic (chopped)
- 3 medium-sized bell peppers (any color, sliced into 2-inch-long pieces)
- 1 cup chopped onion
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 18 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the sausage: In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sweet Italian sausages, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Break up the sausage with a spoon as it cooks until browned and cooked through.
- Sauté vegetables: Add the chopped garlic, sliced bell peppers, and chopped onion to the pan with the sausage. Stir well and cook for about five minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
- Add balsamic and deglaze: Pour the balsamic vinegar into the pan and scrape the bottom to loosen any browned bits, enhancing the sauce’s flavor.
- Simmer with tomatoes: Add crushed tomatoes and kosher salt to the pan. Stir everything together and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about five minutes to meld the flavors and to finish cooking the sausage and peppers.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta back into the pan with the sauce. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly in the flavorful sausage and pepper sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a vibrant finish and serve immediately.
Notes
- This recipe is a twist on traditional sausage and peppers by including pasta and a simple, tangy sauce for a hearty meal.
- The dish comes together quickly in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknight dinners.
- Using balsamic vinegar adds a nice depth and sweetness that complements the savory sausage and fresh peppers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 464 kcal
- Sugar: 13.8 g
- Sodium: 1043.1 mg
- Fat: 12.2 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 65.1 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 24.8 g
- Cholesterol: 25.5 mg
