Saus and Pepper Pasta
Savory Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, and onions tossed with penne in a light tomato sauce. A colorful, robust dinner that comes together in one pan and is always a hit.
About This Pasta Recipe
About This Recipe
Saus and Pepper Pasta is a timeless favorite that blends comfort, flavor, and kitchen confidence in every bite. While versions of this dish vary by region and family tradition, the heart of it remains the same: simple ingredients, careful technique, and a result that feels both satisfying and memorable. Savory Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, and onions tossed with penne in a light tomato sauce. A colorful, robust dinner that comes together in one pan and is always a hit. The appeal of this recipe is how approachable it is for weeknights, while still feeling special enough for guests.
For the best result, focus on layering flavor in stages—build a solid base, control heat as you cook, and taste as you go. Small details matter: preheating properly, avoiding overcrowding, and finishing with fresh herbs or a bright acidic touch can dramatically improve the final plate. If you prep ingredients before starting, the workflow stays smooth and consistent.
What makes this recipe stand out is its balance: rich but not heavy, familiar but still elevated. Serve it hot, garnish with intention, and pair it with a complementary side to round out the meal. Whether you are making it for family dinner or a special occasion, Saus and Pepper Pasta is the kind of dish that rewards care and always feels worth repeating.
Saus and Pepper Pasta Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot), casings removed
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parmesan for serving
How to Make Saus and Pepper Pasta
- 1
Cook penne pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining. Set pasta aside.
- 2
While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add the sausage meat, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).
- 3
Add the sliced bell peppers and onions to the skillet with the sausage. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are softened and slightly charred. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- 4
Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juices), oregano, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- 5
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding splashes of the reserved pasta water if needed to make the sauce silky and coat the pasta.
- 6
Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
Chef's Tips
- Bloom aromatics for 30–60 seconds before adding liquids to unlock deeper flavor in Saus and Pepper Pasta.
- Cook the main protein or core ingredient in batches if needed—overcrowding lowers pan heat and prevents proper browning.
- Reserve a small amount of cooking liquid to adjust texture at the end and keep the final result glossy, not dry.
- Finish with contrast: add a fresh element (herbs/citrus/crunch) right before serving to sharpen the overall flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
520
Calories
24g
Protein
22g
Fat
58g
Carbs
Serving Suggestions
Serve Saus and Pepper Pasta with a crisp seasonal salad or roasted vegetables for contrast and balance. Pair with sparkling water with citrus, a dry white wine, or light iced tea depending on the meal style. For presentation, plate in warm shallow bowls, add a neat finishing garnish, and leave visible texture on top for a premium restaurant-style look.
Recipe card
Saus and Pepper Pasta
Savory Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, and onions tossed with penne in a light tomato sauce. A colorful, robust dinner that comes together in one pan and is always a hit.
Prep
10 min
Cook
20 min
Total
30 min
Servings
5 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot), casings removed
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Cook penne pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining. Set pasta aside.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add the sausage meat, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).
- Add the sliced bell peppers and onions to the skillet with the sausage. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are softened and slightly charred. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juices), oregano, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding splashes of the reserved pasta water if needed to make the sauce silky and coat the pasta.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
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