Get ready to transform your ordinary pasta night into a culinary adventure that will make your taste buds dance! This Red Pepper and Sausage Pasta Sauce is not just another recipe – it's a flavor explosion that combines the robust richness of Italian sausage with the sweet, slightly smoky notes of roasted red peppers. Whether you're a home cook looking to impress or someone craving an authentic Italian-inspired meal, this sauce promises to elevate your dining experience from mundane to magnificent.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 red bell peppers, chopped
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pound pasta of choice
Instructions
- Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Remove the casings from the Italian sausage and break the meat into small chunks.
- Add the sausage to the hot skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until the meat is browned and no longer pink. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked sausage to a separate plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped red bell peppers. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften and become slightly caramelized.
- Add minced garlic to the peppers and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The garlic should become fragrant but not brown.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then add dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Return the browned sausage to the skillet and stir to incorporate with the sauce. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as needed. The sauce should be rich and slightly spicy.
- Drain the cooked pasta and either mix the sauce directly with the pasta or serve the sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh basil or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Use fresh Italian sausage and ripe red bell peppers for the most authentic flavor.
- Fat is Flavor: Don't discard the sausage fat – it adds incredible depth to your sauce. The rendered fat helps sauté the peppers and creates a rich base.
- Patience is Key: Allow the sauce to simmer slowly. This helps meld the flavors and creates a more complex taste profile.
- Customize Your Heat: Adjust the red pepper flakes to suit your spice tolerance. Start with less and add more if needed.
- Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: If possible, garnish with fresh basil or add some chopped fresh herbs at the end for a bright, fresh finish.
- Pasta Pairing: Choose a pasta shape that holds sauce well, like rigatoni, penne, or fusilli.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This sauce actually tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 449kcal
Carbohydrates: 64g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 17mg
