Savory Sausage and Penne with Peppers
This delectable dish combines hearty sausage with vibrant bell peppers and tender penne pasta, simmered in a rich tomato sauce. Infused with aromatic herbs, this recipe delivers a satisfying and comforting meal that's perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings. Serve this satisfying dish alongside a crisp salad or fresh bread for a complete meal experience.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
2 teaspoons
onion
1 (thinly sliced)
green bell peppers
3 (sliced)
garlic powder
1 teaspoon
diced tomatoes
14.5 ounces (canned)
sugar
2 teaspoons
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
kielbasa or smoked sausage
1 pound (cut into serving sizes)
penne pasta
2 cups (uncooked)
basil
1 tablespoon
dried parsley
1 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and green bell peppers, and sauté until the vegetables are tender and the onion becomes translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
2
Stir in the garlic powder and the diced tomatoes, including their juices. Add the sugar, and season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.
3
Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4
Add the sliced kielbasa or smoked sausage to the skillet. Stir gently to combine with the tomato mixture. Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5
While the sausage mixture is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
6
Once the sausage is cooked through and has absorbed the flavors, add the cooked penne to the skillet along with the basil and dried parsley. Toss everything together to ensure the sauce coats the pasta evenly.
7
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Sausage and Penne with Peppers?
It is a hearty dish combining sliced kielbasa or smoked sausage with green bell peppers, onions, and penne pasta in a rich tomato sauce.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield 6 servings.
What kind of sausage should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 pound of kielbasa or smoked sausage, cut into serving sizes.
What type of pasta is best for this dish?
Penne pasta is recommended; you will need 2 cups of uncooked penne.
How many bell peppers are needed?
The recipe requires 3 green bell peppers, sliced.
Why is sugar included in the ingredients?
Two teaspoons of sugar are added to balance the acidity of the canned diced tomatoes.
How long do I need to sauté the vegetables?
The onion and green bell peppers should be sautéed in olive oil for about 5-7 minutes until tender.
Do I need to drain the canned tomatoes?
No, you should include the juices from the 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes.
What seasonings are used in this recipe?
The dish is seasoned with garlic powder, salt, pepper, basil, and dried parsley.
How long should the sausage simmer in the sauce?
The sausage should simmer with the tomato mixture for approximately 20 minutes.
How do I prepare the onion?
One onion should be thinly sliced before sautéing.
What is the first step of the recipe?
The first step is to heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
When should I add the garlic powder?
Stir in the garlic powder after the onions and peppers have become tender.
How should the penne pasta be cooked?
Cook the penne in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions until it is al dente.
When is the pasta added to the sauce?
The cooked and drained penne is added to the skillet after the sausage has finished simmering for 20 minutes.
What herbs are added at the very end?
Basil and dried parsley are tossed in with the pasta and sauce at the final stage.
Can I use fresh herbs for garnish?
Yes, the recipe suggests serving the dish hot and garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
What side dishes go well with this meal?
It is recommended to serve this dish with a crisp salad or fresh bread.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 total ingredients listed for this savory sausage and penne dish.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an 'easy dinner' and is a straightforward one-skillet preparation combined with boiled pasta.
What kind of oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe specifies using 2 teaspoons of olive oil.
How much garlic powder is used?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Can I substitute the green peppers?
While green peppers are traditional for this dish, you can use red or yellow bell peppers for a sweeter flavor.
How much basil is required?
You will need 1 tablespoon of basil.
Is there a specific simmer time before adding the sausage?
Yes, after adding tomatoes and seasonings, cover and simmer for 5 minutes before adding the sausage.
How do I ensure the sauce coats the pasta evenly?
Toss the cooked penne, sausage mixture, and herbs together thoroughly in the skillet.
Should the sausage be cooked before adding it to the skillet?
The recipe uses kielbasa or smoked sausage, which is typically pre-cooked; it is sliced and then simmered in the sauce to absorb flavors.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include hearty, comfort food, sausage recipe, pasta dish, family meal, easy dinner, and italian-inspired.
Can I adjust the salt and pepper?
Yes, the recipe advises seasoning to taste and making a final adjustment before serving.
What should the onion look like when it is ready?
The onion should be sautéed until it becomes translucent and tender.