Savory Italian Sausage Ragu with Penne Pasta
Indulge in this rich and hearty Italian Sausage Ragu served over perfectly cooked penne pasta. This flavorful dish combines the robust taste of bulk Italian sausage with sweet yellow bell peppers and onions, enhanced by a splash of dry white wine (or red wine for a different twist!). The blend of tomatoes, spices, and fresh parsley adds depth and freshness to the sauce, making it an ideal one-dish meal for any occasion. Whether you’re whipping it up for family dinner or entertaining friends, this ragu is sure to impress. Easy to prepare and even easier to double, it's a go-to recipe that transports you to an Italian kitchen with every bite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
penne pasta
8 ounces (uncooked)
bulk Italian sausage
1/2 lb (loose)
yellow bell pepper
3/4 cup (diced)
onion
1/2 cup (diced)
tomato paste
2 teaspoons (none)
garlic
2 teaspoons (minced)
dry white wine
1/2 cup (none)
diced tomatoes
1 (14 ounce) can (with juice)
sugar
1 teaspoon (none)
red pepper flakes
1 pinch (none)
fresh parsley
1/4 cup (chopped)
parmesan cheese
to taste (grated)
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the penne pasta.
2
Add the penne and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3
In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, brown the bulk Italian sausage for about 5 minutes, breaking it into small pieces with a potato masher.
4
Add diced yellow bell pepper and onion to the pan, cooking for an additional 5 minutes or until the sausage is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
5
Stir in the tomato paste and minced garlic, sautéing for another 2 minutes while stirring frequently to enhance the flavors.
6
Deglaze the pan with the white wine, increasing the heat to high and allowing it to cook until the liquid is nearly evaporated.
7
Add the can of diced tomatoes (with juice), sugar, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 5-8 minutes until it thickens.
8
Season the ragu with salt to taste, then stir in the fresh chopped parsley.
9
Serve the ragu generously over the cooked penne pasta, garnishing each plate with grated parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Italian Sausage Ragu with Penne Pasta?
It is a rich and hearty Italian dish featuring bulk sausage, yellow bell peppers, and onions in a flavorful tomato-based sauce served over penne.
What kind of pasta is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 8 ounces of uncooked penne pasta.
How much Italian sausage do I need?
You will need 1/2 lb of loose bulk Italian sausage.
Can I use sausage links instead of bulk sausage?
Yes, you can use sausage links by removing the casings to create loose meat.
What type of bell pepper is used in this ragu?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of diced yellow bell pepper for a sweet flavor.
How much onion should I add?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of diced onion.
What is the purpose of adding tomato paste?
Two teaspoons of tomato paste are added to enhance the flavors and thicken the sauce.
How much garlic is used in the sauce?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of minced garlic.
What kind of wine is best for deglazing?
A dry white wine is recommended, though red wine can be used for a different twist.
Can I substitute the wine if I prefer not to use alcohol?
Yes, you can use chicken or vegetable broth as a non-alcoholic substitute for the wine.
How long should I brown the sausage?
Brown the sausage for about 5 minutes, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.
What tool is suggested for breaking up the sausage?
A potato masher is suggested for breaking the sausage into small, uniform pieces.
How long do the vegetables need to cook?
Cook the diced pepper and onion for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
What does it mean to deglaze the pan?
Deglazing involves adding liquid like wine to the hot pan to loosen the flavorful browned bits from the bottom.
Should I drain the canned tomatoes?
No, add the entire 14-ounce can of diced tomatoes along with its juice.
Why is sugar added to the ragu?
One teaspoon of sugar is added to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
What provides the heat in this recipe?
A pinch of red pepper flakes provides a subtle spicy kick to the sauce.
How long should the ragu simmer?
The mixture should simmer for 5-8 minutes until it has thickened properly.
What fresh herbs are included?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of fresh chopped parsley to be stirred in at the end.
What is the suggested garnish?
Each plate should be garnished with grated parmesan cheese to taste.
How do I cook the penne pasta?
Cook the penne in a large pot of salted water according to package directions until al dente.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, the recipe description notes that it is very easy to double for larger groups.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick dinner and is relatively fast to assemble once the ingredients are prepped.
What makes this a 'one-dish meal'?
It combines protein, vegetables, and pasta into a complete, satisfying meal.
Can I use red bell pepper instead of yellow?
Yes, red bell pepper is a suitable substitute for yellow bell pepper in this recipe.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as comfort food due to its rich, hearty nature.
When should I add the salt?
Season the ragu with salt to taste after the sauce has finished simmering.
What should the consistency of the wine be after cooking?
The wine should be cooked over high heat until the liquid is nearly evaporated.
What is the texture of the finished sauce?
The sauce is a thick ragu with chunks of savory sausage and tender vegetables.
What nationality of cuisine is this dish?
This is an Italian-inspired dish, utilizing classic ingredients like sausage, garlic, and pasta.