Craving a mouthwatering meal that's both quick and incredibly satisfying? Get ready to transform your weeknight dinner with our Easy Pan Sausage and Pasta Meal - a recipe that promises to tantalize your taste buds and save you precious time in the kitchen! In just 30 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy dish that combines the rich, savory flavors of Italian sausage with perfectly cooked pasta and vibrant vegetables. Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook looking for a hassle-free dinner, or simply someone who loves delicious comfort food, this recipe is about to become your new go-to meal.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage, sliced
- 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and prepare your mise en place by chopping the bell pepper, onion, and mincing the garlic. Slice the Italian sausage into bite-sized pieces.
- Heat a large skillet or deep pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced Italian sausage and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and begins to release its oils.
- Add chopped onions and bell peppers to the pan with the sausage. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables start to soften and become slightly translucent.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, being careful not to burn the garlic, which can turn bitter.
- Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with their juice, and sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the mixture. Stir to combine all ingredients.
- In a separate pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- Drain the pasta and add it directly to the sausage and vegetable mixture in the skillet. Toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
- Reduce heat to low and let the dish simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Serve hot, directly from the skillet.
Tips
- Choose high-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor - look for fresh, well-seasoned varieties from your local butcher or deli.
- For maximum flavor, don't rush the sausage browning process. Allow it to develop a nice golden-brown crust before adding vegetables.
- Use pasta shapes like penne or rotini that can capture sauce well, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
- Be careful not to overcook the garlic - 30 seconds is perfect to release its aroma without turning bitter.
- If you want to add extra depth, consider deglazing the pan with a splash of white wine after cooking the sausage.
- For a lighter version, you can use turkey or chicken Italian sausage and whole wheat pasta.
- Always reserve a little pasta water before draining - it can help create a silkier sauce if needed.
- Fresh Parmesan cheese grated directly onto the dish will elevate the flavor compared to pre-grated cheese.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 520kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 65mg
