Description

Sweet Pepper & Sausage Pasta is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish featuring caramelized onions and bell peppers, savory Italian sausage, and a rich tomato-based sauce. Tossed with al dente pasta and finished with optional breadcrumbs or Parmesan, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner full of comfort and color.

Ingredients

Scale

Essential Ingredients:

½ lb mild or spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
2 tbsp tomato paste, divided
2 tbsp olive oil, divided
½ sweet onion, thinly sliced
2 medium red or yellow bell peppers, sliced
3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1½ tsp light brown sugar
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp balsamic vinegar
8 oz dry short-cut pasta (rigatoni, penne, fusilli, etc.)
Kosher salt, to taste
½ cup reserved pasta water
Toasted breadcrumbs, for serving (optional)

Optional Add-Ons:

Crushed red pepper flakes
Grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh herbs (basil or parsley)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain the rest.
Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tbsp olive oil. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the Veggies: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil. Add the sliced onion and peppers. Sauté for 6–8 minutes until softened and starting to caramelize.
Add Garlic & Tomato Paste: Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add 1 tbsp tomato paste and cook, stirring, until darkened, about 2 minutes.
Build the Sauce: Add the remaining 1 tbsp tomato paste, brown sugar, oregano, and balsamic vinegar. Stir to coat the vegetables evenly. Return the sausage to the pan.
Combine with Pasta: Add the drained pasta and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Toss everything together over medium heat until well combined and the sauce is silky. Season with salt to taste.
Serve: Plate the pasta and top with optional toasted breadcrumbs, red pepper flakes, Parmesan cheese, or fresh herbs as desired.

Notes

Use sweet or spicy sausage depending on your preference — both work well with the sweetness of the peppers.
Toasted breadcrumbs add a unique crunchy texture — toast them in a dry skillet for 2–3 minutes until golden.
This recipe can easily be doubled to serve more or for leftovers.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner, Pasta
Method: Sautéing, Boiling
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 520
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 47g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: sweet pepper sausage pasta, Italian sausage pasta, bell pepper pasta recipe, easy pasta dinner, sausage and pepper rigatoni