Sausage and Peppers Pasta

Recipe Tips:

• To create a thicker tomato sauce, consider adding extra diced tomatoes. You may need to add extra spices if you choose to add the extra tomatoes.
• You don’t have to slice the sausages, they can be served whole. However, the cook time may need to be increased slightly once they’re added back to the pan. You don’t want to consume raw sausages!
• We like to use a variety of peppers. Red bell peppers and yellow bell peppers yield some of the best flavor and beautiful colors.
• Add a pinch or two of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
• We use penne pasta but most short pasta will work.
• Parmesan cheese or Pecorino Romano cheese make excellent toppings for this dish.

Can I use any type of sausage for this pasta dish?

Yes, you can use any type of sausage for this pasta dish according to your preference. The recipe is versatile and can accommodate various types of sausages such as Italian sausage, kielbasa, chorizo, chicken sausage, or even a meat-free sausage for a vegetarian option. 

However, each type of sausage will impart a unique flavor to your dish, so choose accordingly based on your taste. Changing the type of sausage may also change the cook time.

Can I use gluten-free pasta?

Absolutely, gluten-free pasta can be used in this sausage and peppers pasta recipe. Once cooked, simply substitute it for the regular pasta in the recipe. It will absorb the flavors of the sausage and peppers just as well.

How can I reheat the pasta without it becoming too dry?

To reheat the sausage bell pepper pasta without it becoming too dry, you can add a small amount of water, chicken broth, or a little bit of olive oil before microwaving or heating it in a skillet. This will prevent the pasta from drying out and help retain its moisture.

Can I add other vegetables to the dish?

Yes, you can add other vegetables to this sausage and peppers pasta dish. Feel free to add vegetables based on your personal preferences or what’s currently in season. 

Zucchini, mushrooms, spinach, or even cherry tomatoes would make great additions. Just remember to adjust the cooking time depending on what vegetables you add. 

Is it possible to add more sauce to this dish?

Yes, you can definitely add more sauce to this sausage and peppers pasta dish. If you prefer your pasta to be saucier, add additional diced tomatoes (drained this time), some tomato sauce, tomato paste with pasta water, or crushed tomatoes. 

Keep in mind that you may need to increase the Italian seasoning to compensate for the increase in tomatoes.

Alternatively, skip the diced tomatoes and Italian seasonings, and purchase a jar of pasta sauce at the grocery store or use homemade marinara sauce. Stir it into the sausage and peppers for a delicious dinner.

How to Store Leftovers:

Refrigerator: Leftover sausage and peppers pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. 

Reheating: To reheat the next day, simply microwave it on half power for a couple of minutes, stirring in between to ensure even heating. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a skillet over medium heat until it’s heated through. 

Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the pasta. Ensure it’s cooled down before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then heat it in the microwave or in a skillet.