This Italian Sausage and Pepper Penne is a cozy, comforting weeknight dinner that tastes like it came straight from Nonna’s kitchen. It’s hearty, full of flavor, and ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy nights when you still want something homemade and satisfying.
We are sharing tips to help you get the best results when making this recipe. If you don’t need the tips, scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and printable recipe card.
⭐ Why You’ll Love Italian Sausage and Pepper Penne ⭐
One pan and done! Easy to cook and clean up.
Budget-friendly. Feeds the whole family without breaking the bank.
Big on flavor. The combo of sausage, sweet bell peppers, and rich tomato sauce is pure comfort.
Customizable. Swap the sausage, mix in veggies, or add cheese!
🧾 Ingredients
📌 Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full ingredients list with quantities and step-by-step instructions!
- Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)
- Olive oil
- Red bell pepper
- Yellow bell pepper
- Onion
- Garlic
- Marinara sauce
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
- Penne pasta
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley
🔪 How to Make Italian Sausage & Pepper Pasta
Step 1 – Boil the Pasta
Fill a big pot with water, add a good pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil. Cook the penne until it’s tender, following the directions on the box. Drain it and set it aside for later.
Step 2 – Brown the Sausage
Heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and use a spoon to break it into small pieces. Cook until it’s browned and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes.
Step 3 – Sauté the Veggies
Toss the sliced peppers and onions into the skillet with the sausage. Cook them until they’re soft and starting to caramelize, around 6–8 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute to bring out the flavor.
Step 4 – Add the Sauce
Pour in the marinara sauce and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Give it a good stir and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5 – Mix It All Together
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything to coat the noodles in the sauce. Let it cook together for a couple of minutes so all the flavors come together. Serve warm with grated Parmesan and fresh herbs if you like!
⭐ Tips and Variations ⭐
- Spice it up: Use hot Italian sausage and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Cheesy twist: Stir in shredded mozzarella or a dollop of ricotta before serving.
- Veg it out: Add mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for more veggies.
- Make it low-carb: Serve the sausage and peppers over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
How to Store Italian Sausage and Pepper Pasta
Leftovers keep great in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove or microwave until warmed through. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months!
More Delicious Recipes To Try
30-Minute Italian Sausage & Pepper Pasta You’ll Make on Repeat
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage sweet or spicy, casings removed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper sliced
- 1 small onion sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 24 ounce marinara sauce
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 oz penne pasta
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
- Fresh basil or parsley optional
Directions
Step 1 – Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2 – Cook the Sausage
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and break it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.
Step 3 – Add Veggies
- Add the sliced peppers and onions to the skillet. Cook until soft, about 6–8 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
Step 4 – Simmer the Sauce
- Pour in the marinara sauce and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Stir everything together and simmer for 5 minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 5 – Combine and Serve
- Add the cooked penne to the skillet and toss to coat. Let everything cook together for a couple of minutes so the flavors blend. Serve hot with grated Parmesan and fresh herbs if you like.
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