São Paulo-Style Baked Pasta with Peppers and Sausage

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting baked pasta dish featuring sweet bell peppers, smoky sausage, and a hint of Parmesan, perfect for a weeknight dinner. This brazilian-inspired pasta ready in about 45 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, red bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 650 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.

★ 4.3 (15 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Brazilian cuisine 650 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add 12 oz spaghetti, and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente; drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add 1 large red bell pepper and 1 large yellow bell pepper, diced, and cook for 5 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally.
  3. Step 3: Add 8 oz smoked sausage, sliced, to the skillet and increase heat to medium-high; cook for 3-4 minutes until the sausage is lightly browned and crispy.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup tomato sauce and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, then add the drained spaghetti and toss to coat; season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Step 5: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, sprinkle with 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped, and bake for 15 minutes until bubbly and the top is golden.

Frequently asked questions

How long does São Paulo-Style Baked Pasta with Peppers and Sausage take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover São Paulo-Style Baked Pasta with Peppers and Sausage?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep spaghetti from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in São Paulo-Style Baked Pasta with Peppers and Sausage?

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 São Paulo-Style Baked Pasta with Peppers and Sausage 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 São Paulo-Style Baked Pasta with Peppers and Sausage?

Brazilian 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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