If you’re searching for a meal that brings the spirit of a neighborhood Italian restaurant straight to your kitchen, look no further than this Pasta with Sausage Peppers and Onions Recipe. With juicy sausage, colorful bell peppers, and perfectly cooked pasta all tossed together in a vibrant tomato sauce and finished with fresh herbs and a shower of Parmesan, every bite is a warm invitation to gather around the table. This dish is a celebration of hearty flavors and easy comfort, making it the kind of recipe you’ll come back to over and over again.

Pasta with Sausage Peppers and Onions Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity—each ingredient is chosen for both its flavor magic and the way it plays off the others. Fresh, bold, and satisfying, these pantry and fridge staples are truly essential for bringing the Pasta with Sausage Peppers and Onions Recipe to life in all its colorful glory.

12 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta: These short, sturdy shapes are perfect for catching saucy bits and chunky veggies.
1 tablespoon olive oil: A drizzle of good olive oil sets a rich, savory base for all your sautéing.
1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, casings removed): The star of the show—choose your heat level and savor the juicy, flavorful bites.
1 red bell pepper (sliced): Adds a touch of sweetness and beautiful color contrast.
1 yellow bell pepper (sliced): Bright and mellow, this brings lovely sunshine notes to your skillet.
1 green bell pepper (sliced): Earthy and just a bit grassy, rounding out the trio of peppers.
1 large onion (sliced): The caramelized, aromatic heart of the dish.
3 cloves garlic (minced): Nothing says “homemade Italian” like fragrant, golden garlic.
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Crank up the heat if you like a spicy kick.
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juice): The backbone of your sauce, bursting with flavor.
1/4 cup tomato paste: For concentrated tomato richness and body.
1/2 cup chicken broth or reserved pasta water: Adds moisture and helps everything mingle together.
1 teaspoon dried oregano: That classic Italian herb flavor you know and love.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Just the right amount to bring every flavor forward.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A little bite, a gentle spark.
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or parsley: Herbal brightness to finish the dish.
Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving): Salty, nutty magic that no pasta lover can resist.

How to Make Pasta with Sausage Peppers and Onions Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil, then add your penne or rigatoni. Cook until al dente—that perfect tender but firm bite. Don’t forget to reserve about half a cup of the pasta water before draining; it’s the secret to a luscious sauce if you need a little extra at the end!

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add the sausage, breaking it up into crumbles as it browns. This step gives your dish major flavor—it’s all about those crispy, caramelized pieces! Once cooked through and golden, set the sausage aside on a plate.

Step 3: Sauté the Peppers and Onions

In the same skillet (don’t wipe it out—you want all those wonderful sausage bits), toss in your sliced peppers and onions. Sauté for five to seven minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re tender and just starting to caramelize. This is where your kitchen starts smelling incredible.

Step 4: Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes

Add minced garlic and, if you like a hint of heat, the red pepper flakes. Give everything a good stir and let those flavors mingle for about a minute. You’re layering in deep, fragrant Italian essence here.

Step 5: Build the Sauce

Stir in the diced tomatoes (juice included!), tomato paste, and your choice of broth or reserved pasta water. Sprinkle in the oregano, salt, and black pepper. Let this simmer for five minutes, so everything gets a chance to meld and develop a rich, savory sauce.

Step 6: Return the Sausage and Simmer

Slide that browned sausage back into the skillet, tossing it thoroughly with the peppers, onions, and tomato mixture. Simmer for another five to seven minutes—this is where the magic happens, as the flavors really come together.

Step 7: Toss with Pasta and Finish

Add your cooked pasta to the pan and toss everything together generously, making sure every piece is glossy and saucy. If the mixture looks a bit dry, pour in a splash of reserved pasta water. Cook for another minute or two, then sprinkle with chopped fresh basil or parsley just before serving. Don’t forget the mountain of grated Parmesan at the table!

How to Serve Pasta with Sausage Peppers and Onions Recipe

Garnishes

A final flourish is all about personal taste! Shower your finished Pasta with Sausage Peppers and Onions Recipe with a generous helping of grated Parmesan or Pecorino, a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil or parsley, and maybe a few flakes of crushed red pepper for color and pop. It’s the little touches that take this dinner from everyday to truly special.

Side Dishes

This dish is bold enough to stand on its own, but Italian-style sides always make a meal feel more abundant! Try a simple green salad with lemony vinaigrette, some garlicky sautéed spinach, or a loaf of toasty Italian bread to soak up every last bit of sauce. If you’re feeling festive, a glass of red wine pairs beautifully, too.

Creative Ways to Present

For a rustic touch, serve your Pasta with Sausage Peppers and Onions Recipe family-style in a big serving bowl, letting everyone help themselves. Want to assemble individual plates? Top each serving with extra basil, Parmesan, and even a drizzle of good olive oil. Or, for an oven-baked twist, scatter fresh mozzarella on top and pop everything under the broiler until bubbly for a pasta bake that’s sure to turn heads.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers are one of the best perks of this Pasta with Sausage Peppers and Onions Recipe! Transfer any cooled extras into an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. The flavors actually deepen as they rest, making tomorrow’s lunch something to look forward to. Enjoy within three days for the best taste and texture.

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well. Portion the cooled pasta mixture into freezer-safe containers or bags. Squeeze out any extra air and label with the date. When properly stored, it will keep for up to two months. Just keep in mind that while the flavor stays sensational, the peppers may soften a bit upon thawing.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave single portions until hot or warm everything gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce looks a bit thick. If you’re reheating from frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight before warming for the best results. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and more grated cheese to revive that just-cooked magic.

FAQs

Can I make Pasta with Sausage Peppers and Onions Recipe with a different kind of sausage?

Absolutely! You can swap in turkey sausage for a lighter version or use hot Italian sausage for extra heat. Even chicken sausage or plant-based options will taste fantastic, so feel free to experiment based on your cravings.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

As written, the recipe uses regular pasta, but you can easily substitute your favorite gluten-free penne or rigatoni and enjoy every bite. Just double-check that your sausage is gluten-free as well.

Can this be turned into a pasta bake?

Yes! After tossing everything together, transfer your Pasta with Sausage Peppers and Onions Recipe to a casserole dish, top with slices of fresh mozzarella or a sprinkle of shredded cheese, and bake at 375°F until golden and bubbly—about 15 minutes. It’s perfect for potlucks or hearty Sunday dinners.

What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?

Penne and rigatoni are perfect because those tubes soak up the sauce and hold pieces of sausage and peppers. However, you can use ziti, rotini, or even shells if that’s what you have on hand. The important part is choosing a sturdy shape that catches all the good stuff.

How can I make Pasta with Sausage Peppers and Onions Recipe spicier or milder?

If you love heat, choose spicy sausage and don’t be shy with the red pepper flakes. To mellow things out, use sweet Italian sausage and skip the flakes altogether. You can always serve crushed red pepper at the table so everyone can adjust to their own taste.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something so satisfying about a bowl of Pasta with Sausage Peppers and Onions Recipe—hearty, colorful, and bursting with flavor. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and bring a little bit of Italian-inspired comfort into your kitchen. It’s the kind of meal that turns any night into a celebration and will absolutely earn a spot in your regular dinner rotation.

Pasta with Sausage Peppers and Onions Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 9 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A hearty and flavorful pasta dish featuring Italian sausage, colorful bell peppers, and sweet onions in a savory tomato sauce, tossed with penne or rigatoni pasta and topped with fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil

Sausage Mixture:

1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, casings removed)
1 red bell pepper (sliced)
1 yellow bell pepper (sliced)
1 green bell pepper (sliced)
1 large onion (sliced)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
1/4 cup tomato paste
1/2 cup chicken broth or reserved pasta water
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or parsley
Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook the pasta: Boil pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside.
Sear the sausage: Brown and crumble sausage in a skillet, then remove.
Sauté veggies: Cook peppers, onions, and garlic until softened.
Add seasonings and liquids: Stir in tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Combine ingredients: Simmer sausage with veggies and sauce, then add cooked pasta.
Finish and serve: Toss pasta, top with herbs and cheese, and serve hot.