This 20-Minute Sausage Pasta Skillet is a quick and tasty meal. It combines juicy sausage, pasta, and colorful veggies in one pot for easy cleanup. What’s not to love?
You can whip this up even on a busy night! I often add a sprinkle of cheese on top for an extra treat. It’s like giving a hug to your taste buds! 😊
This dish is super easy since everything cooks together. I love that I can enjoy a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Perfect for those hungry stomachs!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This shape works great for holding onto the sauce. If you’re out of penne, feel free to use farfalle, rigatoni, or even spaghetti—just cook according to package instructions!
Italian Sausage: You can choose between mild or spicy based on your taste. If you prefer a healthier option, turkey sausage or plant-based sausage can be good substitutes. They’re lighter while still providing good flavor.
Bell Pepper: Red bell peppers add sweetness, but green peppers or even zucchini can work in their place. They’ll change the flavor slightly, but they still taste fantastic!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is my go-to, but if you don’t have it, about 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder can work in a pinch. Fresh garlic gives a stronger flavor that I really enjoy.
Broth: Using chicken broth enhances the flavor, but vegetable broth keeps it vegetarian. Homemade broth can elevate the flavor even more if you have it handy.
How Can I Ensure the Sausage is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking the sausage well is key to this dish! Breaking it apart helps it cook evenly. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with a medium heat. Heat your oil first; this prevents sticking.
- Add the sausage and let it brown for 4-5 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula. Make sure it has no pink spots before moving on!
- If you’re using turkey or plant-based sausage, check the packaging for any specific cooking instructions as they can differ.
Following these tips will give you a flavorful foundation that really brings the whole dish together! Enjoy cooking!
How to Make 20-Minute Sausage Pasta Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 8 oz (about 225g) penne pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 12 oz (about 340g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy, your choice)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese for topping (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty sausage pasta skillet can be whipped up in just 20 minutes! You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping and cooking the pasta and about 10 minutes cooking the rest of the delicious ingredients together. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a busy weeknight meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Once it’s al dente, drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
2. Brown the Sausage:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage to the skillet and cook it until it turns brown, breaking it into pieces with a spatula as it cooks. This should take about 4-5 minutes.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
Once the sausage is cooked, toss in the sliced red bell pepper and onion. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes until the veggies soften up and get a bit of color.
4. Add the Garlic:
Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until it becomes fragrant. This will add a lovely aroma to your skillet!
5. Create the Sauce:
Pour in the diced tomatoes (including their juices), broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the skillet. Give everything a good stir and bring it to a gentle simmer.
6. Combine Everything:
Mix the cooked penne pasta into the skillet, tossing everything together until well combined. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat it all through. Enjoy the delicious smells!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish your dish with fresh basil leaves and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if you’d like. It adds a nice touch!
8. Enjoy Your Meal:
Serve your delicious sausage pasta skillet immediately, and enjoy this quick and comforting dish with family or friends!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While penne works great for this recipe, you can swap it out for other pasta shapes like fusilli, rotini, or even spaghetti. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the pasta you choose.
What if I Don’t Have Italian Sausage?
No worries! You can use any ground meat like turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option. Just be mindful to season it a bit more with Italian herbs to replicate the flavors of Italian sausage.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave it for a couple of minutes, stirring halfway through, or reheat it gently on the stove with a splash of broth to loosen up the pasta.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to throw in additional veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach. Just sauté them along with the bell pepper and onion, and they will cook down nicely in the skillet.
