Wood-Fired Italian Sausage and Roasted Pepper Penne
Penne pasta tossed with smoky wood-fired Italian sausage, sweet roasted bell peppers, and a light tomato sauce infused with garlic and fresh basil. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 45 minutes pairs penne pasta, large red bell pepper, large yellow bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 4 links (about 16 oz) Italian sausage links
- 1 large red bell pepper
- 1 large yellow bell pepper
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 14 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 450°F. Cut 1 large red bell pepper and 1 large yellow bell pepper into 1/2-inch strips, toss with 1 tbsp olive oil and a pinch of salt, and roast on a baking sheet for 20 minutes until edges are slightly charred and tender.
- Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz penne pasta and cook for 10 minutes until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Step 3: While pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove casing from 4 Italian sausage links and crumble the meat into the skillet. Sauté for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Step 4: Add 4 minced garlic cloves to the sausage and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Step 5: Pour in 14 oz crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Let simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 6: Stir in the roasted peppers and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves. Add the cooked penne pasta and toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Step 7: Serve hot, topped with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese for a savory finish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Wood-Fired Italian Sausage and Roasted Pepper Penne 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 Wood-Fired Italian Sausage and Roasted Pepper Penne?
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 penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Wood-Fired Italian Sausage and Roasted Pepper Penne?
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 Wood-Fired Italian Sausage and Roasted Pepper Penne 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 Wood-Fired Italian Sausage and Roasted Pepper Penne?
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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