Penne, Sausage and Peppers is an easy, yummy meal! Italian sausage, onions, spices and red/green bell peppers in pasta, topped with Parmesan!
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- ½ pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot) removed from casings (approx. 3 links)
- ½ large green bell pepper seeded, thinly sliced
- ½ large red bell pepper seeded, thinly sliced
- ½ medium yellow onion thinly sliced (top to bottom)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- salt and pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan for serving (optional)
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Heat oil in large skillet on medium heat. Remove sausage from casings (if using links); place meat in skillet. Cook 5-6 minutes, stirring to break up chunks, cooking until meat is no longer pink. Use slotted spoon to transfer sausage to a plate (let grease drain into skillet). Leave 1 Tablespoon of the grease in skillet; discard the rest.
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On Medium heat, cook onions, peppers and spices in reserved oil/grease in skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally for 10-12 minutes, until veggies are tender.
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Add cooked sausage to veggies; toss to combine. Take a taste; season with salt and pepper, if desired.
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Prepare pasta according to pkg. directions (usually 10-11 minutes). Once done, reserve/set aside 1/2 cup of starchy pasta water; drain off the rest. Place drained pasta back into pan; add sausage/peppers. Pour in reserved 1/2 cup of hot starchy pasta water. Toss to combine. Cook, stirring often until heated through (about a minute).
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Transfer to serving plates; garnish portions with grated Parmesan cheese, and serve hot. Enjoy!
Can substitute rotini, farfalle or bow-tie pasta for the penne, if desired.