Sausage and Pepper Penne: A Flavorful Italian-American Classic

Sausage and pepper penne is a quintessential Italian-American comfort food, beloved for its hearty flavors and satisfying texture. This dish combines the savory richness of Italian sausage, the sweetness of bell peppers, the tang of tomatoes, and the satisfying chew of penne pasta. It’s a versatile recipe that can be easily adapted to your preferences, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering. This recipe provides a detailed guide to creating a truly delicious sausage and pepper penne, bursting with authentic flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Flavorful:** The combination of Italian sausage, bell peppers, onions, garlic, and tomatoes creates a symphony of flavors that is both savory and slightly sweet.
* **Comforting:** This dish is incredibly satisfying and comforting, perfect for a cozy night in.
* **Easy to Make:** With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is easy to follow, even for beginner cooks.
* **Versatile:** You can customize the recipe to your liking by using different types of sausage, adding vegetables, or adjusting the spice level.
* **Crowd-Pleaser:** Sausage and pepper penne is always a hit with family and friends, making it a great option for parties or potlucks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Penne Pasta:** 1 pound. Penne is the classic choice for this dish, its tubular shape and ridged surface perfectly capturing the sauce. Other pasta shapes like rigatoni, ziti, or farfalle can also be used.
* **Italian Sausage:** 1 pound. Use sweet, hot, or a combination of both, depending on your preference. Remove the sausage from its casings.
* **Bell Peppers:** 2 large (red, yellow, or orange), sliced. A mix of colors adds visual appeal and a variety of flavors. Green bell peppers can also be used, but they have a slightly more bitter taste.
* **Onion:** 1 large, chopped. Yellow or white onions work well.
* **Garlic:** 4 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic is essential for the best flavor.
* **Canned Crushed Tomatoes:** 28 ounces. Use good-quality crushed tomatoes for the best flavor. You can also use diced tomatoes, but crushed tomatoes create a smoother sauce.
* **Tomato Paste:** 2 tablespoons. Tomato paste adds richness and depth of flavor to the sauce.
* **Dried Oregano:** 1 teaspoon. Oregano is a classic Italian herb that complements the flavors of the sausage and peppers.
* **Dried Basil:** 1 teaspoon. Basil adds a touch of sweetness and freshness to the sauce.
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** 1/2 teaspoon (or more, to taste). Optional, for a touch of heat.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons. Use good-quality olive oil for the best flavor.
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste.
* **Fresh Parsley:** Chopped, for garnish (optional).
* **Grated Parmesan Cheese:** For serving (optional).

Equipment You’ll Need

* Large pot
* Large skillet or Dutch oven
* Colander
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Wooden spoon or spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. **Cook the Pasta:** Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
2. **Brown the Sausage:** While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
3. **Sauté the Vegetables:** Add the chopped onion and sliced bell peppers to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. **Make the Sauce:** Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
5. **Combine and Serve:** Add the cooked sausage and drained pasta to the sauce. Toss to combine, ensuring that the pasta is well coated with the sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Tips for the Best Sausage and Pepper Penne

* **Use Good-Quality Sausage:** The quality of the sausage will greatly impact the flavor of the dish. Choose a sausage that you enjoy and that is made with high-quality ingredients.
* **Don’t Overcook the Pasta:** Cook the pasta al dente, which means “to the tooth” in Italian. This ensures that the pasta has a slight bite and doesn’t become mushy.
* **Simmer the Sauce:** Simmering the sauce allows the flavors to meld and deepen. Don’t rush this step!
* **Adjust the Seasoning:** Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to achieve your desired flavor.
* **Use Fresh Herbs:** Fresh parsley adds a touch of brightness and freshness to the dish. Other fresh herbs, such as basil or oregano, can also be used.

Variations and Substitutions

* **Sausage:** Use different types of sausage, such as Italian chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even vegan sausage. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
* **Vegetables:** Add other vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. Sauté them along with the onions and peppers.
* **Cheese:** Add a sprinkle of grated mozzarella or provolone cheese to the dish before serving.
* **Spice Level:** Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spice level. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
* **Creamy Sauce:** For a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end.
* **Wine:** Add 1/2 cup of dry red or white wine to the sauce after sautéing the vegetables. Let it simmer for a few minutes to reduce before adding the tomatoes.
* **Vodka Sauce:** Substitute half of the crushed tomatoes with vodka sauce for a richer flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Sausage and pepper penne can be served as a main course or as a side dish. It pairs well with a variety of sides, such as:

* Garlic bread
* Salad
* Roasted vegetables
* Bruschetta

Make-Ahead Instructions

Sausage and pepper penne can be made ahead of time and reheated later. Prepare the dish according to the instructions, but do not add the pasta until you are ready to serve. Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, cook the pasta and add it to the sauce. Reheat the dish over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Storage Instructions

Leftover sausage and pepper penne can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the dish in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 600-800 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Fat: 30-40 grams
* Protein: 25-35 grams
* Carbohydrates: 60-80 grams

Detailed Recipe Card

**Recipe Name:** Sausage and Pepper Penne

**Prep Time:** 15 minutes

**Cook Time:** 35 minutes

**Total Time:** 50 minutes

**Servings:** 6

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound penne pasta
* 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet, hot, or a combination)
* 2 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), sliced
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
* 2 tablespoons tomato paste
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon dried basil
* 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* Salt and black pepper to taste
* Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
* Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving, optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Brown the sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the vegetables: Add the chopped onion and sliced bell peppers to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Make the sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Combine and serve: Add the cooked sausage and drained pasta to the sauce. Toss to combine, ensuring that the pasta is well coated with the sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Enjoy Your Delicious Sausage and Pepper Penne!

This sausage and pepper penne recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With its simple ingredients, easy-to-follow instructions, and customizable flavors, it’s a dish that you’ll make again and again. Enjoy!