Italian Sausage Pasta

A rustic Italian-American kitchen scene with a large ceramic serving bowl filled with golden penne pasta mixed with browned Italian sausage, colorful bell peppers, and rich tomato sauce, topped with fresh Parmesan cheese and parsley, set on a wooden table with a checkered napkin

25 minutes

4 servings

Easy

High ProteinComfort Food

Ingredients

1 lb penne or rigatoni pasta

1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy), casings removed

1 medium onion, diced

1 red bell pepper, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

1/2 cup dry white wine

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp dried basil

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Salt and black pepper to taste

Nutrition Facts

Per 4 servings

Calories720 kcal

Protein32 g

Carbohydrates68 g

Fat35 g

Fiber5 g

* Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on ingredients and preparation methods.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.

Pro Tip:

Salt the pasta water generously - it should taste like the sea for properly seasoned pasta

Brown the Sausage and Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add Italian sausage (removed from casings) and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon until browned. Add diced onion and bell pepper, cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes, cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Pro Tip:

Break up the sausage into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and better distribution

Add Tomatoes and Simmer

Pour in white wine and cook for 2 minutes to reduce slightly. Add diced tomatoes with their juice, season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and flavors meld together.

Pro Tip:

Let the wine cook off completely to avoid any harsh alcohol taste in the final dish

Combine and Serve

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sausage mixture. Toss gently to combine, adding pasta water if needed to help coat the pasta. Remove from heat and stir in half of the Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Serve immediately topped with remaining Parmesan cheese.

Pro Tip:

Add pasta water gradually to create a silky sauce that clings to the pasta perfectly