Zesty Italian Sausage & Peppers Pasta Recipe: A Flavor Fiesta

Pasta with spicy Italian sausage and peppers ignites culinary passion for hearty, bold flavors that dance across your palate.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients elevate ordinary meals into extraordinary dining experiences with their robust character.

Sizzling sausage brings depth and intensity to this classic combination of comfort and zest.

Vibrant bell peppers contribute a sweet, slightly charred dimension that perfectly complements the rich, spicy meat.

Tangy undertones weave through each bite, creating a symphonic blend of textures and sensations.

Regional techniques elevate simple ingredients into a memorable meal that speaks to soul-satisfying cooking.

Authentic preparation ensures every forkful delivers a punch of excitement and warmth.

Ingredients for Pasta with Spicy Italian Sausage and Peppers

• Pasta: Classic choice for hearty Italian-style dishes, best when cooked al dente for perfect texture.

• Italian Sausage: Rich, spicy meat that provides deep flavor and robust protein base for the sauce.
• Chicken Stock: Adds depth and moisture to the sauce, enhancing overall dish complexity.

• Onion, Bell Peppers: Fresh vegetables that provide sweetness, crunch, and vibrant color to the dish.
• Garlic: Essential aromatic that adds intense, sharp flavor to the sauce.
• Red Chili Flakes: Introduces gentle heat and subtle spiciness to balance other ingredients.

• Italian Seasoning: Classic herb blend that brings traditional Mediterranean flavor profile.

• Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato product that deepens sauce's color and provides rich umami taste.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Provides fresh, bright tomato base for the sauce.

• Olive Oil: High-quality cooking fat for sautéing and building flavor foundation.
• Parmesan Cheese: Salty, aged cheese that adds creamy texture and sharp taste to final dish.

How to Cook Pasta with Spicy Italian Sausage and Peppers

Step 1: Boil Water and Cook Pasta

Grab a large pot and fill it with water. Sprinkle a generous amount of salt into the water. Bring to a rolling boil and cook pasta according to package directions. Before draining, carefully scoop out of pasta water and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large deep pan over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook for 4-5 minutes, breaking it into smaller pieces while it browns.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

• Diced onions
• Sliced bell peppers

Sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables become soft and slightly translucent.

Step 4: Build Flavor Base

• Chopped garlic
• Red chili flakes
• Italian seasoning

Cook for 1 minute to release aromatic flavors.

Step 5: Create Sauce

• Tomato paste
• Chicken stock
• Crushed tomatoes

Stir everything together and let simmer on low-medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6: Combine and Finish

Slide cooked pasta into the sauce, mixing thoroughly. Sprinkle in grated Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning to taste. Serve hot with extra Parmesan on top if desired.

Tips for Perfecting Pasta with Spicy Italian Sausage and Peppers

• Master Sausage Browning: Ensure a deep, caramelized color by not overcrowding the pan and breaking the sausage into small, even pieces for maximum flavor development.
• Vegetable Sauté Secrets: Cut peppers and onions uniformly to guarantee consistent cooking and prevent some pieces from becoming too soft or undercooked.
• Spice Layer Building: Toast red chili flakes and Italian seasoning briefly to release their essential oils, intensifying the overall taste profile of the sauce.
• Pasta Water Magic: Save the starchy pasta water to help create a silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats every noodle, adding depth and helping ingredients bind together.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Grate Parmesan freshly and add off the heat to prevent separation, allowing residual warmth to gently melt the cheese and create a smooth, creamy finish.

Best Ways to Store and Reheat Pasta with Spicy Italian Sausage and Peppers

• Refrigerate: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep the container sealed tightly and place in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the pasta completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Freeze: Transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags for longer storage. Pasta with sausage and sauce can be frozen for 2-3 months. Label containers with the date to track freshness.
• Reheat: Warm refrigerated pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or water to restore moisture. Stir gently to prevent sticking and break up clumps. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until heated thoroughly. Avoid overheating to maintain the pasta's texture and prevent dryness.

Pairing Ideas for Pasta with Spicy Italian Sausage and Peppers

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Grab a glass of robust Chianti or Sangiovese to match the spicy sausage and rich tomato sauce. These Italian wines perfectly complement the hearty flavors, cutting through the richness with their tannic structure.
• Serve with Crisp Garlic Bread: Create a crunchy sidekick by toasting Italian bread with garlic butter and fresh parsley. The bread's crisp texture and garlicky punch will enhance the pasta's spicy and savory notes.
• Add Fresh Herb Salad: Whip up a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's intensity. The peppery greens and bright acidity will refresh the palate between bites of the spicy sausage pasta.
• Finish with Creamy Gelato: Cool down the spice with a scoop of classic vanilla or chocolate gelato. The smooth, cold dessert provides a delightful contrast to the warm, zesty main course.

Creative Twists on Pasta with Spicy Italian Sausage and Peppers

• Herbaceous Green Pasta: Replace Italian sausage with chicken or turkey sausage, add fresh basil and spinach for a lighter, herb-infused version that keeps the spicy kick.
• Mediterranean Seafood Fusion: Swap sausage with shrimp or mussels, incorporate white wine instead of chicken stock, and sprinkle with fresh parsley to create a coastal-inspired pasta dish.
• Vegetarian Pepper Celebration: Eliminate meat completely, substitute sausage with roasted eggplant or zucchini, use vegetable stock, and add extra chili flakes for a robust plant-based meal that maintains the original recipe's vibrant flavor profile.
• Creamy Rustic Option: Transform the sauce by stirring in heavy cream or ricotta cheese, creating a richer texture while keeping the original spicy undertones and bell pepper complexity.

Why Pasta with Spicy Italian Sausage and Peppers Stands Out

• Burst with Spicy Flavor: Packed with zesty Italian sausage and fiery red chili flakes, this pasta delivers a mouthwatering kick that tingles your taste buds and keeps you craving more.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Winner: This one-pan wonder comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Texture Paradise: Enjoy the perfect balance of tender pasta, crispy-edged sausage, and soft, caramelized bell peppers that create a symphony of textures in every single bite.
• Comfort Food with a Punch: A classic comfort dish elevated with bold Italian seasonings and rich tomato sauce that warms your soul and satisfies serious hunger pangs.

Pasta With Spicy Italian Sausage And Peppers Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Pasta with Spicy Italian Sausage and Peppers delivers classic Italian comfort with a fiery kick. Savory sausage, sweet bell peppers, and robust herbs mingle in a hearty sauce that invites you to savor each delicious forkful.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 250 g (8.8 oz) pasta
• 400 g (1 lb) Italian sausage
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 green bell pepper

Seasoning and Herbs:

• 2 large garlic cloves
• ¼ teaspoon red chilli flakes
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 30 g (⅓ cup) grated Parmesan

Liquid and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 200 ml (1 cup) chicken stock
• 1 x 400 g (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes

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Instructions

1. Fill a large stockpot with water and generously salt it. Bring to a rolling boil and cook the pasta until perfectly tender, following package directions. Carefully preserve of starchy pasta water before draining.
2. Place a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat and warm the olive oil. Introduce the Italian sausage, crumbling and browning it for 4-5 minutes until a rich golden color develops.
3. Transfer the sliced onions and bell peppers into the same pan. Sauté the vegetables for approximately 5 minutes, stirring periodically, until they become tender and slightly translucent.
4. Sprinkle minced garlic, red chili flakes, and Italian seasoning into the vegetable mixture. Allow the aromatics to bloom for one minute, releasing their intense flavors.
5. Pour in the tomato paste, chicken stock (473 milliliters / 16 fluid ounces), and crushed tomatoes. Thoroughly blend the ingredients and reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Let the sauce develop and thicken for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Combine the perfectly cooked pasta with the robust sauce, ensuring each strand is luxuriously coated. Fold in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning to personal taste.
7. Plate the pasta immediately while piping hot, garnishing with an additional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired, creating a visually appealing and delectable meal.

Notes

• Ensure pasta is cooked al dente for the perfect texture, maintaining a slight firmness when bitten.
• Reserve a cup of starchy pasta water to help create a silky, clinging sauce that beautifully coats each noodle.
• Break down sausage into smaller pieces while cooking to distribute flavor evenly throughout the dish.
• Sauté vegetables until they soften and develop a slight caramelization, enhancing their natural sweetness.
• Allow spices and seasonings to bloom briefly in the pan, releasing their maximum aromatic potential before adding liquids.
• Let the sauce simmer gently to meld flavors and create a rich, robust base for the pasta.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling, Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 525 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 890 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg