Are you ready to transform an ordinary weeknight dinner into a culinary adventure? This Chicken Sausage Peppers Pasta is about to become your new obsession! Imagine a perfect harmony of crispy chicken sausage, vibrant bell peppers, and al dente pasta, all swimming in a rich, aromatic tomato sauce that'll have your family begging for seconds. Whether you're a busy home cook or a passionate foodie, this Italian-inspired dish promises to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 2 chicken sausages, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced chicken sausages and cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to brown and develop a crispy exterior.
- Add chopped onions to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent and slightly softened.
- Introduce minced garlic and sliced bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peppers begin to soften and slightly caramelize.
- Pour in the can of diced tomatoes, including their juice. Reduce heat to medium and let the mixture simmer for 5-6 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce seems too thick, add some reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is well-coated with the sauce and ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh torn basil leaves. Serve hot, optionally with grated Parmesan cheese on the side.
Tips
- Always salt your pasta water generously - it should taste like the sea! This is your first chance to add flavor to the pasta.
- Reserve pasta water before draining. The starchy liquid is a secret weapon for creating a silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats every pasta strand.
- For extra flavor, consider using spicy chicken sausage to add a kick to the dish.
- Don't overcook the bell peppers - you want them to retain a slight crunch for textural contrast.
- Fresh basil is crucial! Add it at the very end to preserve its bright, aromatic qualities.
- If you want a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a handful of grated Parmesan when tossing the pasta.
- For a complete meal, serve with a simple side salad or garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 55mg
