A quick and hearty one-pan meal loaded with Italian sausage, tender penne pasta, caramelized peppers, and onions — finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan. Comfort food at its best!
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage links (about 6 links)
- 16 oz penne pasta (uncooked)
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon chicken bouillon
- 2 green bell peppers, chopped
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons dried oregano (to taste)
- Black pepper, to taste
- Garlic salt, to taste
- 1 tablespoon spicy pickled pepper spread or giardiniera (optional)
- Fresh Parmesan cheese, for topping
Instructions
- Cook peppers and onions – In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil. Add chopped peppers and onions. Sauté 10–15 minutes until golden. Season with oregano, black pepper, and garlic salt. (Optional: stir in pepper spread for extra kick.)
- Brown sausage – Add sausage links to the skillet. Sear on all sides until golden brown.
- Simmer – Pour in water and chicken bouillon. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low heat while you prepare the pasta.
- Cook pasta – In a separate pot, cook penne to al dente according to package directions. Reserve some pasta water.
- Combine – Add drained pasta to the skillet with sausage, peppers, and onions. Stir and let simmer together until half of the liquid absorbs. (If too dry, add reserved pasta water gradually.)
- Finish – Slice sausages (or serve whole) and toss with pasta. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve – Top with Parmesan cheese and, if desired, extra spicy peppers or chili flakes.
Tips & Notes
- Serving style: Slice sausages into bite-sized pieces for easy serving, or leave them whole for a rustic look.
- Make-ahead: This dish reheats beautifully — great for meal prep.
- Customize heat: Add red pepper flakes or more giardiniera for a spicy kick.
