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Italian Sausage Pasta Skillet

An easy pasta skillet with Italian sausage, peppers, garlic, and Parmesan in a flavorful tomato sauce. Ready in about 30 minutes.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Servings4
Calories: 590kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Italian sausage mild or spicy
  • 8 oz pasta penne, rotini, or your choice
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 3 cloves garlic chopped
  • 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes (with juice)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • ½ cup chicken broth or water
  • ½ - 1 tsp sugar optional
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional, for heat
  • 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish optional

Instructions

  • Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown sausage, breaking it into pieces. Drain excess fat if needed.
  • Add diced onion and red bell pepper. Cook until softened. Stir in garlic and tomato paste and cook 2–3 minutes.
  • Add diced tomatoes (with juice), chicken broth, sugar (if using), red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5–7 minutes.
  • Add cooked pasta to skillet. Toss and cook for 2–3 minutes more.
  • Stir in Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with basil or parsley if you like.

Notes

For a one-pot version, increase the broth to 2½ cups. Add the uncooked pasta to the skillet, cover, and simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.