Quick & Easy Sausage, Peppers, and Onions with Elbow Macaroni: A Weeknight Winner!

Are you looking for a simple, satisfying, and delicious meal that comes together in under an hour? Look no further! This recipe for Sausage, Peppers, and Onions with Elbow Macaroni is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you crave a hearty, flavorful dish. The combination of savory sausage, sweet peppers and onions, and perfectly cooked elbow macaroni, all tossed in a light and flavorful sauce, is simply irresistible. This recipe is also incredibly versatile – feel free to customize it with your favorite seasonings, vegetables, or cheese.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Quick and Easy:** This recipe requires minimal prep time and uses simple ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Flavorful and Satisfying:** The combination of sausage, peppers, and onions creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. The elbow macaroni adds a comforting and satisfying element.
* **Versatile and Customizable:** Feel free to adapt this recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables, cheeses, or spices.
* **Budget-Friendly:** This recipe uses affordable ingredients, making it a great option for feeding a family on a budget.
* **Kid-Friendly:** Most kids love pasta, and the mild flavors of this dish make it a hit with even picky eaters.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to make this delicious Sausage, Peppers, and Onions with Elbow Macaroni:

* **1 pound Italian sausage (sweet, mild, or hot – your choice!):** Italian sausage is the star of the show, providing a rich and savory flavor base. You can use sweet, mild, or hot sausage depending on your preference. For a healthier option, use turkey or chicken sausage.
* **1 large onion, sliced:** Onions add a sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish. Yellow or white onions work best.
* **2 bell peppers (any color), sliced:** Bell peppers add color, sweetness, and a slight crunch to the dish. Feel free to use a combination of different colored peppers for a more vibrant presentation.
* **1 pound elbow macaroni:** Elbow macaroni is the classic pasta choice for this dish, but you can also use other small pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells.
* **2 cloves garlic, minced:** Garlic adds a pungent and aromatic flavor to the dish.
* **1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes:** Crushed tomatoes form the base of the sauce, providing a rich and tangy flavor. You can also use tomato sauce or diced tomatoes, but crushed tomatoes will give you the best texture.
* **1 teaspoon dried oregano:** Oregano adds a classic Italian flavor to the dish.
* **1/2 teaspoon dried basil:** Basil complements the oregano and adds a touch of sweetness to the sauce.
* **1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional):** Red pepper flakes add a touch of heat to the dish. Omit if you prefer a milder flavor.
* **Salt and pepper to taste:** Seasoning is key to bringing out the flavors of the dish.
* **2 tablespoons olive oil:** Olive oil is used to sauté the sausage, peppers, and onions.
* **Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving):** Parmesan cheese adds a salty and savory finish to the dish.
* **Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional):** Fresh parsley adds a touch of freshness and color to the dish.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your own Sausage, Peppers, and Onions with Elbow Macaroni:

**Step 1: Cook the Sausage**

* Remove the sausage from its casing (if using) and crumble it into a large skillet or Dutch oven.
* Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet.
* Cook the sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure there’s no pink remaining.
* Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside. Drain off any excess grease, leaving a tablespoon or two in the skillet for the vegetables.

**Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables**

* Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet.
* Add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the skillet.
* Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Don’t rush this step; allowing the vegetables to caramelize will enhance their sweetness and flavor.
* Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

**Step 3: Cook the Pasta**

* While the vegetables are cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
* Add the elbow macaroni to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions. Usually about 8-10 minutes, or until al dente (slightly firm to the bite).
* Drain the pasta well and set aside.

**Step 4: Make the Sauce**

* Add the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet with the vegetables.
* Stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
* Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together.

**Step 5: Combine Everything**

* Add the cooked sausage and drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce.
* Stir to combine, ensuring that the pasta and sausage are well coated in the sauce.
* Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, to heat everything through.

**Step 6: Serve**

* Serve the Sausage, Peppers, and Onions with Elbow Macaroni hot.
* Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley (if desired).

## Tips and Variations

* **Add More Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to this dish, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. Simply sauté them along with the onions and peppers.
* **Use Different Sausage:** Experiment with different types of sausage, such as chorizo or andouille, for a spicier kick.
* **Add Cheese:** Stir in some shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese at the end for a cheesy and delicious twist. You can also bake the dish with a layer of cheese on top for a comforting casserole.
* **Make it Creamy:** Add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the sauce at the end for a richer and creamier dish.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for extra heat.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Omit the sausage and add more vegetables, such as mushrooms, eggplant, or lentils, for a vegetarian version.
* **Use different types of Pasta:** While elbow macaroni is classic you can use other shapes like penne, rotini, shells or farfalle.
* **Add wine:** You can deglaze the pan with a 1/2 cup of dry red or white wine after cooking the sausage and before adding the vegetables. This will add depth and complexity to the flavor of the sauce. Let the wine reduce by half before proceeding with the recipe.
* **Use fresh herbs:** Instead of dried herbs, use fresh oregano and basil for a more vibrant flavor. Add them towards the end of the cooking process to preserve their freshness.
* **Make it ahead of time:** This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated. The flavors will actually meld together even more as it sits.
* **Add a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies:** This will add a touch of heat and flavor to the sauce.
* **Brown the sausage and peppers/onions under the broiler:** For even more color and deeper flavors, arrange the sausage and vegetables on a baking sheet and broil for a few minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. This will caramelize them nicely.

## Serving Suggestions

This Sausage, Peppers, and Onions with Elbow Macaroni is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of:

* Garlic bread
* A simple green salad
* Steamed vegetables
* Crusty bread for dipping in the sauce

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerator:** Store leftover Sausage, Peppers, and Onions with Elbow Macaroni in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Freezer:** Freeze leftover Sausage, Peppers, and Onions with Elbow Macaroni in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

## Reheating Instructions

* **Stovetop:** Reheat the Sausage, Peppers, and Onions with Elbow Macaroni in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent the pasta from drying out.
* **Microwave:** Reheat the Sausage, Peppers, and Onions with Elbow Macaroni in the microwave on high power for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Stir halfway through.

## Nutrition Information (approximate)

*Please note that the nutrition information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.*

* Calories: 450-550 per serving
* Protein: 25-35 grams
* Fat: 20-30 grams
* Carbohydrates: 40-50 grams

## Conclusion

This Sausage, Peppers, and Onions with Elbow Macaroni is a classic comfort food dish that is sure to please everyone. It’s easy to make, customizable, and incredibly delicious. So, the next time you’re looking for a quick and satisfying meal, give this recipe a try! You won’t be disappointed.

Enjoy your delicious and easy Sausage, Peppers, and Onions with Elbow Macaroni! Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family!