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Spicy Sausage and Pepper Pasta

This Spicy Sausage and Pepper Pasta is bursting with flavor and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces whole wheat penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 red onion sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 red bell pepper cut into strips
  • 1/2 orange bell pepper cut into strips
  • 1/2 yellow bell pepper cut into strips
  • 1 package Butterball turkey sausage (13 oz), cut into 1-inch rounds
  • Crushed red pepper to taste
  • 1 1/2 cups grape tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about a cup of the pasta water for later, and set it aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced red onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onions become translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Next, toss in the red, orange, and yellow bell peppers. Sauté for another 3-5 minutes, until the peppers start to soften. Then, add the turkey sausage rounds to the skillet, cooking until they’re browned and heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Sprinkle in the crushed red pepper, adjusting the amount to your taste for heat. Add the halved grape tomatoes, stirring everything together until the tomatoes begin to soften, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together. If the mixture seems dry, add a little reserved pasta water to create a light sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  • Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the shredded Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil, allowing the residual heat to melt the cheese slightly.
  • Transfer the Spicy Sausage and Pepper Pasta to a serving bowl. Garnish with additional Parmesan and fresh basil if desired, and enjoy your vibrant, hearty meal!

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Skillet
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Serving Bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Notes

  • For a gluten-free option, substitute whole wheat penne with gluten-free pasta.
  • To make it lower-carb, use spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash instead of pasta.
  • Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.