This Sweet Pepper and Beef Sausage Pasta is the kind of cozy, crowd-pleasing dish you’ll want to make on a chilly evening or when you’re craving something hearty yet packed with bright, fresh flavors. The sweetness of the roasted peppers paired with the savory beef sausage creates a perfectly balanced dish that feels like a warm hug. It’s a family favorite, quick to whip up, and fancy enough for company—but simple enough for a weeknight.
Growing up, pasta night was a big deal in our house. My mom loved to experiment with ingredients, and this recipe is a nod to one of her creations. The roasted peppers bring a hint of natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the robust flavor of beef sausage. Toss in your favorite pasta, a little garlic, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, and you’ve got a meal that feels both comforting and elevated. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just want to treat yourself to a bowl of love, this recipe will not disappoint.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick & Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
- Customizable: Swap in your favorite pasta shape, add veggies, or adjust spice levels to your taste.
- Family-Friendly: The sweet and savory combo is a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Great for Meal Prep: Tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for leftovers.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb beef sausage, sliced
- 3 large sweet bell peppers (any color, sliced into thin strips)
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of spice)
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley or basil, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
How to Make Sweet Pepper and Beef Sausage Pasta
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Roast the Sweet Peppers (Optional but Recommended)
For a deeper, caramelized flavor, preheat your oven to 425°F. Toss the sliced peppers with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re soft and slightly charred. While this step is optional, it takes the flavors of this dish to the next level.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Onion, Garlic, and Sausage
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute, just until fragrant.
Add the sliced beef sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 4: Cook the Sweet Peppers and Sauce
Add the sliced sweet peppers (or the roasted peppers, if you prepped them earlier) to the skillet with the sausage. Cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften. Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth, then stir in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a pop of color and freshness.
Helpful Tips for the Perfect Sweet Pepper and Sausage Pasta:
- Roast Your Peppers: If you have time, roasting the peppers adds an amazing depth of flavor.
- Reserve Pasta Water: This starchy water helps create a silky sauce that clings to the pasta.
- Customize the Heat: Add more red pepper flakes if you like your pasta with a little kick.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Basil or parsley adds a bright, fresh finish that takes this dish over the top.
Recipe Details:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sauté and Simmer
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Can be made dairy-free (omit Parmesan)
Notes:
- This recipe works with any type of pasta. Short shapes like penne or rigatoni are perfect for catching the sauce, but spaghetti or fettuccine work well too.
- Feel free to swap beef sausage with turkey or chicken sausage if you prefer a lighter option
Nutritional Information:
(Per serving, based on 4 servings)
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This pasta tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I freeze this pasta?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as usual.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Add a splash of water or chicken broth to the pasta when reheating to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out.
Related Recipes
If you loved this Sweet Pepper and Beef Sausage Pasta, here are a few other dishes you might enjoy:
Conclusion
This Sweet Pepper and Beef Sausage Pasta is the ultimate comfort food with a touch of elegance. It’s easy to make, full of vibrant flavors, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Enjoy every bite and don’t forget to pair it with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal!
Print
Sweet Pepper and Beef Sausage Pasta
Description
This Sweet Pepper and Beef Sausage Pasta is the kind of cozy, crowd-pleasing dish you’ll want to make on a chilly evening or when you’re craving something hearty yet packed with bright, fresh flavors. The sweetness of the roasted peppers paired with the savory beef sausage creates a perfectly balanced dish that feels like a warm hug. It’s a family favorite, quick to whip up, and fancy enough for company—but simple enough for a weeknight.
Growing up, pasta night was a big deal in our house. My mom loved to experiment with ingredients, and this recipe is a nod to one of her creations. The roasted peppers bring a hint of natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the robust flavor of beef sausage. Toss in your favorite pasta, a little garlic, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, and you’ve got a meal that feels both comforting and elevated. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just want to treat yourself to a bowl of love, this recipe will not disappoint.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb beef sausage, sliced
- 3 large sweet bell peppers (any color, sliced into thin strips)
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of spice)
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley or basil, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
Instructions
Step 1: Roast the Sweet Peppers (Optional but Recommended)
For a deeper, caramelized flavor, preheat your oven to 425°F. Toss the sliced peppers with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re soft and slightly charred. While this step is optional, it takes the flavors of this dish to the next level.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Onion, Garlic, and Sausage
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute, just until fragrant.
Add the sliced beef sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 4: Cook the Sweet Peppers and Sauce
Add the sliced sweet peppers (or the roasted peppers, if you prepped them earlier) to the skillet with the sausage. Cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften. Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth, then stir in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- This recipe works with any type of pasta. Short shapes like penne or rigatoni are perfect for catching the sauce, but spaghetti or fettuccine work well too.
- Feel free to swap beef sausage with turkey or chicken sausage if you prefer a lighter option.
