Sausage & Pepper Pasta

Who doesn't love sausage, peppers and onions?  As it is cooking, the smell is intoxicating.  Usually it is made with marinara or tomatoes and served with pasta on the side but I like to switch it up and make it as a one-pot dinner for something fast and easy.

Prep: 10 min 
Cook: 20 min
Serves: 4

Sausage and Pepper Pasta

8 ounces dried pasta (penne, farfalle, rigatoni)
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
2 large red bell peppers, cut into ½” pieces
1 large onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3/4 cup beef broth
1 teaspoons fine sea salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
 
Cook the pasta according to package directions, drain and set aside.

Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a fork or spatula, until it's browned and cooked through, about 10 minutes. Remove sausage to a bowl and set aside.

Return to the skillet and add the remaining olive oil.  Add the peppers and onion and sauté until tender, stirring occasionally – about 5 minutes.  Add the garlic and cook, stirring continuously – about 1 minute.  

Return the sausage to the pan and add the cooked pasta and broth.  Add the salt and pepper and bring to a simmer and cook 5 minutes.  

Remove from heat and serve in bowls. 

You can top with chopped parsley or Parmesan cheese if you like.