One-Pot Spicy Sausage and Penne with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
This quick one-pot dinner combines spicy sausage and penne pasta in a roasted red pepper sauce for a bold, comforting meal with minimal cleanup. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes blends tablespoons olive oil, medium, finely chopped yellow onion, minced garlic cloves into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 560 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian spicy sausage, casings removed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium, finely chopped yellow onion
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 cup, chopped roasted red peppers, jarred
- 12 ounces dried penne pasta
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon, divided salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup, plus more for serving Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup, chopped for garnish fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound Italian spicy sausage (casings removed) and cook, breaking up with a spoon, for 5-6 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Step 2: Add 1 medium finely chopped yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet with the sausage. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 cup chopped jarred roasted red peppers, 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 4: Pour in 3 cups chicken broth and add 12 ounces dried penne pasta. Stir to combine and bring to a boil over high heat.
- Step 5: Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 12-15 minutes until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has absorbed.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta evenly.
- Step 7: Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Spicy Sausage and Penne with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover One-Pot Spicy Sausage and Penne with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Spicy Sausage and Penne with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale One-Pot Spicy Sausage and Penne with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with One-Pot Spicy Sausage and Penne with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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