20-Minute Sausage Pasta Skillet – Looking for a quick and easy pasta recipe that is packed with flavor? Look no further than this 20-Minute Sausage Pasta Skillet! Perfect for busy weeknights or when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this pasta dish is sure to impress. Made with Italian sausage, bell peppers, and tomatoes, this dish is bursting with flavor and will quickly become a family favorite.
This Sausage Pasta Skillet is a staple in my household, and my husband absolutely loves it! I remember the first time I made this dish – I was a little hesitant to try something new, but it quickly became a family favorite. My husband raves about it to all of our friends and family, and even requests it for his birthday dinner every year. I love how easy it is to make and how it always turns out perfectly – it’s definitely a winner in my book!
Why This 20-Minute Sausage Pasta Skillet is a Must-Try?
This 20-Minute Sausage Pasta Skillet is a must-try for several reasons. First, it is incredibly easy to make, taking only 20 minutes from start to finish. Second, it is bursting with flavor, thanks to the Italian sausage, bell peppers, and tomatoes. Third, it is a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking – feel free to add in extra vegetables or spices to make it your own. Lastly, it is a great way to feed a crowd without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 1 package Italian sausage (5 or 6 sausages total)
- 1 lb. (450g) penne pasta
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste
- 4 large ripe tomatoes, diced
- 2 tablespoons crushed tomato
- 1/2 cup (125ml) vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed chili pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons fennel seeds, crushed in a mortar
- 1 scallion, sliced, for garnish
- Fresh chopped basil, for garnish
Directions:
Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Heat some oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausages and cook them until they are browned on all sides. If they start to blacken or stick to the pan, add 1/4 cup (60ml) of water. Once the sausages are almost fully cooked, transfer them to a cutting board.
Using the same skillet (remove water but keep the brown bits), add 1 tablespoon of oil and sauté the red onions with the crushed fennel seeds, crushed chili pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Add the minced garlic, crushed tomato and continue to sauté for a couple of minutes, stirring constantly. Then add the sliced red bell pepper and diced tomatoes and cook until the vegetables are crisp-tender. Stir in the vegetable or chicken broth and cook for another minute or so. Season the mixture to taste with salt and pepper.
Slice the cooked sausages into 1/4 to 1/2-inch pieces and add them back to the skillet along with the other ingredients. Cook the mixture for 5 to 10 minutes, until the sausage is fully cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and reheat the mixture for a couple of minutes, gently stirring to coat the pasta with the sauce.
Once the pasta is fully coated with the sauce, garnish the sausage pasta skillet with fresh chopped basil, sliced scallions, and grated parmesan cheese. Serve and enjoy!
Notes:
- For a spicier version, use hot Italian sausage and add more crushed chili pepper flakes to taste.
- You can substitute the penne pasta with any other type of pasta that you prefer.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the pasta in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to prevent it from drying out.
In conclusion, this 20-Minute Sausage Pasta Skillet is a quick and delicious dinner option that will satisfy your cravings for a hearty Italian meal. With the perfect combination of flavors from the Italian sausage, ripe tomatoes, and aromatic herbs and spices, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your household. The best part is that it can be prepared in just 20 minutes, making it a great option for busy weeknights. So go ahead and give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share your experience with us!
FAQ
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, you can use any type of sausage that you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning and cooking time accordingly.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and sausage ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you are ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce, cook the pasta, and combine everything in the skillet.
Can I freeze this recipe?
While this recipe can be frozen, the pasta may become mushy when reheated. If you do freeze the leftovers, make sure to store them in an airtight container and thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What can I serve with this recipe?
This recipe can be served on its own or with a side salad or some garlic bread.
How spicy is this recipe?
The level of spiciness can be adjusted to taste. The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of crushed chili pepper flakes, but you can add more or less depending on your preference.

20-Minute Sausage Pasta Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 package Italian sausage 5 or 6 sausages total
- 1 lb. 450g penne pasta
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 1 small red onion sliced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- Salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste
- 4 large ripe tomatoes diced
- 2 tablespoons crushed tomato
- 1/2 cup 125ml vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed chili pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons fennel seeds crushed in a mortar
- 1 scallion sliced, for garnish
- Fresh chopped basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Heat some oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausages and cook them until they are browned on all sides. If they start to blacken or stick to the pan, add 1/4 cup (60ml) of water. Once the sausages are almost fully cooked, transfer them to a cutting board.
- Using the same skillet (remove water but keep the brown bits), add 1 tablespoon of oil and sauté the red onions with the crushed fennel seeds, crushed chili pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Add the minced garlic, crushed tomato and continue to sauté for a couple of minutes, stirring constantly. Then add the sliced red bell pepper and diced tomatoes and cook until the vegetables are crisp-tender. Stir in the vegetable or chicken broth and cook for another minute or so. Season the mixture to taste with salt and pepper.
- Slice the cooked sausages into 1/4 to 1/2-inch pieces and add them back to the skillet along with the other ingredients. Cook the mixture for 5 to 10 minutes, until the sausage is fully cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and reheat the mixture for a couple of minutes, gently stirring to coat the pasta with the sauce.
- Once the pasta is fully coated with the sauce, garnish the sausage pasta skillet with fresh chopped basil, sliced scallions, and grated parmesan cheese. Serve and enjoy!
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