Introduction

Few dishes capture the comforting essence of Italian home cooking like Pork Sausage and Peppers with Penne Pasta. It’s a beautiful symphony of sweet and spicy Italian sausages, colorful bell peppers, onions, garlic, and a robust tomato sauce — all tossed with tender penne pasta to create a dish that’s as satisfying as it is flavorful.

The caramelized sausage provides a rich, meaty depth, while the peppers and onions add natural sweetness and texture. The tomato sauce ties everything together, coating every bite of pasta in a velvety, savory glaze that’s both bold and comforting.

It’s a classic Italian-American favorite that has stood the test of time — and for good reason. Whether enjoyed on a busy weeknight or served family-style on a Sunday dinner table, this recipe delivers hearty comfort with every forkful.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it combines simple ingredients with powerful flavors. There’s something so satisfying about the way the sweet peppers balance the savory sausage, and how the tomato sauce brings it all together.

It’s one of those dishes that feels rustic yet refined, where every bite tastes like something you’d enjoy in a cozy Italian trattoria. It’s also incredibly versatile — you can adjust the spice level, use different sausages, or even swap the pasta shape depending on your mood.

Another reason I love it? It’s a complete meal in one pan — protein, veggies, and carbs working perfectly together. Plus, the leftovers are just as delicious the next day!

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors.
• A complete, one-pan meal that’s filling and satisfying.
• Easy to customize — works with various sausages or vegetables.
• Great for meal prep or family dinners.
• Brings authentic Italian comfort right to your table.

Whether you’re an Italian food lover or just want a hearty, flavorful meal, this dish is an absolute must-try.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings & Nutrition

• Servings: 4–6
• Calories: ~580 kcal per serving

Course & Cuisine

• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

For the Pasta and Sauce

• 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
• 1 lb (450 g) Italian pork sausage (sweet, spicy, or mixed)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, green), sliced into strips
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14 oz / 400 g) can crushed tomatoes
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1/2 cup chicken broth or pasta water
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into chunks or slices.
3. Cook until browned and fully cooked (about 6–8 minutes).
4. Remove sausage from the pan and set aside on a plate.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

1. In the same skillet, add another 1 tbsp olive oil.
2. Add sliced onions and bell peppers, sautéing until soft and lightly caramelized (6–8 minutes).
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

1. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth (or pasta water), oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes.
2. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir to combine.
3. Let the sauce simmer for 10–12 minutes, uncovered, until thickened and rich.
4. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

1. Add the cooked penne pasta into the skillet with the sausage and peppers.
2. Toss well until the pasta is evenly coated with sauce.
3. Stir in Parmesan cheese and a splash of pasta water (if needed) for a silky finish.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

• Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese before serving.

How to Serve

Serve the Pork Sausage and Peppers with Penne Pasta hot, right from the skillet.

• Pair with garlic bread, Caesar salad, or a glass of red wine (like Chianti or Sangiovese).
• For a heartier meal, top with a little shredded mozzarella and broil for 2–3 minutes until bubbly.

This dish also makes a great meal-prep option — it reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day!

Recipe Tips

• Use good-quality sausage. The flavor of the dish depends heavily on the sausage — try a mix of sweet and spicy varieties.
• Don’t overcook the peppers. Keep them slightly crisp for the best texture.
• Reserve pasta water. It helps emulsify the sauce and coat the pasta perfectly.
• Deglaze with wine. Add a splash of white wine after cooking the sausage for extra depth.
• Top with cheese. Finish with freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano for an authentic Italian touch.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Arrabbiata Version

Add extra red chili flakes or sliced fresh chili for a spicy kick.

Cheesy Baked Version

Transfer the pasta to a baking dish, top with mozzarella and Parmesan, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes.

Veggie Boost

Add zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition and color.

Chicken Sausage Twist

Swap pork sausage for chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter option.

Creamy Tomato Variation

Add 1/4 cup of heavy cream or mascarpone cheese to the sauce for a luxurious, creamy texture.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
• Reheating:
  • Microwave: Heat on medium for 2–3 minutes.
  • Stove: Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or olive oil until warmed through.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Deep skillet or sauté pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Strainer or colander

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes! Rigatoni, ziti, or fusilli also work perfectly.

Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the sauce and pasta separately, then combine before serving.

Q3: How do I make it vegetarian?
Use vegetarian sausage or replace sausage with mushrooms and chickpeas for a hearty plant-based version.

Q4: Can I use jarred marinara sauce?
Yes. If short on time, use 2 cups of good-quality marinara sauce instead of making the tomato base from scratch.

Q5: How can I make it creamier?
Stir in a splash of cream or ricotta cheese just before serving for a richer texture.

Conclusion

Pork Sausage and Peppers with Penne Pasta is the ultimate comfort food — bold, hearty, and bursting with flavor. It’s the kind of meal that satisfies your cravings for something rich and filling, yet feels homey and uncomplicated.

With juicy sausage, tender pasta, and perfectly sautéed peppers in a rich tomato sauce, every bite tastes like an embrace from an Italian kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a cozy date night, or a weeknight meal, this dish always hits the spot.

Rustic, delicious, and endlessly adaptable — this pasta dish deserves a spot in your regular rotation. Buon appetito!