Description
This hearty, rustic pasta dish is the ultimate weeknight savior, combining savory chicken Italian-style sausage with sweet bell peppers and a vibrant tomato sauce. Designed to deliver deep, complex flavors in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy families. Every forkful of perfectly cooked pasta is coated in a robust, spicy sauce, creating a restaurant-quality meal that brings comfort and joy to your dinner table without the long wait.
Ingredients
8 ounces rigatoni pasta
1 pound high-quality bulk spicy Italian chicken sausage
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 bell peppers (one red, one green), sliced into strips
1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 can (14.5 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni according to package directions until al dente.
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken sausage, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned.
Add the sliced bell peppers and onions to the skillet; sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and red pepper flakes; simmer the sauce for 5-8 minutes.
Drain the pasta and add it directly into the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
Serve warm, topped with fresh basil and grated parmesan cheese.
Notes
Use chicken or turkey-based Italian sausage to keep the dish non-pork. Adjust the red pepper flakes to suit your preferred spice level. If you prefer a creamier texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream or pasta water before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 75mg