Description
This 20-Minute Sausage Pasta Skillet is a quick and flavorful weeknight meal that combines Italian sausage, penne pasta, and a medley of vegetables in a rich tomato sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 package Italian sausage (about 5 or 6 sausages total)
- 1 pound (450g) penne pasta
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 4 large ripe tomatoes, diced
- 2 tablespoons crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup (125ml) vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red chili pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons fennel seeds, crushed
- 1 scallion, sliced (for garnish)
- Fresh chopped basil, for garnish
- Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Sausage: Heat a bit of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausages and cook until browned on all sides. You can add 1/4 cup (60ml) of water to prevent them from sticking and burning. When the sausages are almost cooked, transfer them to a cutting board.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet (remove any remaining water but keep the browned bits), add 1 tablespoon of oil and sauté the onions with the crushed fennel seeds, crushed red chili pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Add the garlic and crushed tomatoes. Continue to sauté for a couple of minutes, stirring constantly. Then, add the bell pepper and diced tomatoes and cook until the vegetables are crisp-tender. Stir in the broth and cook for another minute or so. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Combine and Finish: Slice the cooked sausage into 1/4 or 1/2-inch pieces and add them back to the skillet with the other ingredients. Cook for 5-10 minutes, or until the sausage is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Add Pasta and Serve: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and reheat for a couple of minutes, stirring gently to coat the pasta with the sauce. Garnish with fresh basil, chopped scallions, and Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Sausage Type: You can use sweet, mild, or hot Italian sausage, depending on your preference.
- Vegetable Options: Feel free to add other vegetables to this skillet, such as zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red chili pepper flakes to your liking.
- Serving Suggestions: This pasta skillet is delicious on its own or with a side salad and crusty bread.