Italian Sausage and Pepper Rotini Pasta Skillet
A hearty one-pot pasta dish featuring tender rotini tossed with browned Italian sausage, colorful bell peppers, and onions in rich marinara sauce. This comforting weeknight meal comes together in about 30 minutes using simple pantry staples. The sausage adds savory depth while the peppers provide sweetness and crunch. Perfect for busy families seeking a satisfying dinner that requires minimal cleanup since everything finishes cooking in the same pot.
Ingredients
- 10 oz rotinipenne1:1shape
similar cooking time
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 3 bell peppers, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 24 oz marinara sauce
Instructions
- 1
Cook rotini according to package directions
- 2
Drain pasta and set aside
- 3
Add olive oil to the empty pot
- 4
Brown sausage on each side
- 5
Remove sausage and cut into bite-size pieces
- 6
Add remaining olive oil to the pot
- 7
Cook peppers and onions for 2-3 minutes until tender
- 8
Return sausage pieces to pan and cook until cooked throughout
- 9
Add pasta and marinara sauce to the pot
- 10
Cook for 4-5 minutes until heated throughout
Tips
Use a mix of red, yellow, and green bell peppers for the most colorful and flavorful dish.
Let the sausage develop a good brown crust before removing - this adds extra flavor to the entire dish.
Save some pasta cooking water before draining in case you need to loosen the sauce later.
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days in covered container.
Can prepare sausage and vegetables up to 1 day ahead; reheat and add pasta and sauce.
Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese and crusty bread.
Common Mistakes
Don't overcook the peppers or they'll become mushy and lose their bright color.
Cut sausage into uniform pieces so they cook evenly throughout.
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork?
Yes, turkey Italian sausage works well but may need slightly less cooking time and won't render as much fat.
What if I don't have rotini pasta?
Any short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli will work perfectly with this sauce and ingredients.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on stovetop with a splash of water if needed.