Penne with Peppers and Chicken Apple Sausage: A Flavorful and Easy Weeknight Meal

This recipe for Penne with Peppers and Chicken Apple Sausage is a simple, satisfying, and incredibly flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. It combines the sweetness of apple chicken sausage with the vibrant colors and slight bitterness of bell peppers, all tossed together with perfectly cooked penne pasta and a touch of olive oil, garlic, and Italian herbs. The dish is endlessly adaptable, allowing you to customize it to your preferences and dietary needs.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Quick and Easy:** This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
* **Flavorful:** The combination of sweet sausage, savory peppers, and aromatic herbs creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
* **Versatile:** You can easily adapt this recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables, cheeses, or sauces.
* **Healthy:** This dish is packed with protein and vegetables, making it a nutritious and balanced meal.
* **Family-Friendly:** Even picky eaters will enjoy the combination of familiar flavors and textures.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Penne Pasta:** 1 pound. Penne’s ridges are perfect for catching the delicious sauce. You can substitute with other short pasta shapes like rigatoni, farfalle (bowties), or rotini.
* **Chicken Apple Sausage:** 1 pound. Look for pre-cooked chicken apple sausage to save time. You can find this at most grocery stores. If you prefer a different flavor profile, you can substitute with Italian sausage, kielbasa, or even chorizo.
* **Bell Peppers:** 2 medium (1 red, 1 yellow or orange). Bell peppers add color, sweetness, and a slight bitterness that complements the sausage. Feel free to use any combination of colors you like. Green bell peppers are more bitter than other colors.
* **Onion:** 1 medium, chopped. Onion provides a base of flavor for the dish.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced. Garlic adds a pungent aroma and flavor.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons. Olive oil is essential for sautéing the vegetables and adding richness to the dish. Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
* **Italian Seasoning:** 1 teaspoon. Italian seasoning is a blend of dried herbs commonly used in Italian cuisine. You can also use a combination of dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary.
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste. Seasoning is crucial for bringing out the flavors of the ingredients.
* **Optional:**
* Red Pepper Flakes: For a touch of heat.
* Grated Parmesan Cheese: For serving.
* Fresh Parsley: For garnish.
* Cherry Tomatoes: Halved, for added sweetness and acidity.
* Spinach or Kale: For extra nutrients.
* Cream or Tomato Sauce: For a creamier or more saucy dish.
* White Wine: A splash of white wine added while sautéing the vegetables can add depth of flavor.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Large Pot: For cooking the pasta.
* Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: For sautéing the sausage and vegetables.
* Colander: For draining the pasta.
* Cutting Board and Knife: For prepping the vegetables and sausage.
* Mixing Spoon or Spatula: For stirring the ingredients.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a detailed guide to making this delicious Penne with Peppers and Chicken Apple Sausage:

**1. Cook the Pasta:**

* Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. The salt is important for seasoning the pasta from the inside out.
* Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Al dente means “to the tooth” in Italian, and it refers to pasta that is cooked but still firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta will be mushy.
* Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and set it aside. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. This starchy water can be used to help create a sauce later on.

**2. Prepare the Sausage and Vegetables:**

* While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sausage and vegetables.
* Slice the chicken apple sausage into 1/4-inch thick rounds. If you are using Italian sausage or chorizo, you may need to remove it from its casing first.
* Chop the onion into small dice.
* Mince the garlic. You can use a garlic press or finely chop it with a knife.
* Core and seed the bell peppers and slice them into thin strips.

**3. Sauté the Sausage:**

* Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat.
* Add the sliced chicken apple sausage and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes. If using Italian sausage or chorizo, cook until browned and cooked through. Sausage releases fat as it cooks, so you may not need to add extra oil.
* Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.

**4. Sauté the Vegetables:**

* Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. If there’s a lot of rendered fat from the sausage, you can drain some of it off before adding the oil.
* Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.
* Add the sliced bell peppers and cook until tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. If you want the peppers to be softer, cook them for a longer period.
* If using cherry tomatoes or spinach/kale, add them to the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking. Cherry tomatoes should be added until they soften slightly, and spinach/kale should be added until wilted.

**5. Combine Everything:**

* Add the cooked chicken apple sausage back to the skillet with the vegetables.
* Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet.
* Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to taste. Add red pepper flakes if desired.
* Toss everything together to combine. If the mixture seems dry, add a little of the reserved pasta water to help create a sauce.

**6. Serve:**

* Serve immediately. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.

## Tips and Variations

* **Add a Creamy Sauce:** For a creamier dish, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half during the last few minutes of cooking. You can also add a dollop of ricotta cheese for added richness.
* **Use Tomato Sauce:** For a tomato-based sauce, add a can of crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce to the skillet along with the vegetables. Simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
* **Add Cheese:** Besides Parmesan cheese, you can also add other cheeses like mozzarella, provolone, or Asiago.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Omit the chicken apple sausage and add more vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or eggplant.
* **Add Beans:** Add a can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans or kidney beans for extra protein and fiber.
* **Use Different Pasta:** While penne is a great choice, you can use other pasta shapes like rigatoni, farfalle, or rotini.
* **Meal Prep:** This dish is great for meal prepping. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free penne pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
* **Spice it up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.

## Serving Suggestions

This Penne with Peppers and Chicken Apple Sausage is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with:

* **A side salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing complement to the pasta.
* **Garlic bread:** Toasted garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
* **Roasted vegetables:** Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts are healthy and flavorful side dishes.
* **A glass of wine:** A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with this dish.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

*Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

* Calories: 500-600 per serving
* Protein: 30-40 grams
* Fat: 20-30 grams
* Carbohydrates: 50-60 grams
* Fiber: 5-7 grams

## Conclusion

Penne with Peppers and Chicken Apple Sausage is a delightful and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its simple ingredients, easy preparation, and customizable flavors, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal!

Enjoy!