Sweet and Spicy Sausage and Pepper Pasta Recipe

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Cook Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

Original recipe (1X) yields 4 servings:

• 2 cups brown rice rotini pasta
• 1 cup rotini pasta
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into strips
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
• 1 medium sweet onion, cut into thin strips
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 links hot Italian sausage
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook rotini in the boiling water until tender but firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bell pepper strips, onion strips, and garlic. Cook for 4-5 minutes, until softened.
3. Add the hot Italian sausage, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce to the skillet. Stir to combine, cover, and cook for 15 minutes.
4. Remove the sausage links from the skillet. Slice them diagonally into coin-shaped pieces, then return them to the skillet.
5. Season the mixture with dried basil, granulated garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
6. Pour in the heavy whipping cream and reserved pasta water. Stir again, then cover and cook the sauce for an additional 8 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7. Divide the cooked rotini among plates and top with the sausage and vegetable sauce. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Per serving:

• Calories: 605
• Total Fat: 29g (37% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 12g (59% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 57mg (19% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 718mg (31% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrate: 65g (24% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 7g (24% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 13g
• Protein: 22g (45% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 81mg (90% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 103mg (8% Daily Value)
• Iron: 4mg (23% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 755mg (16% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

The Sweet and Spicy Sausage and Pepper Pasta is a delightful combination of savory sausage, sweet peppers, and spicy seasonings. This pasta dish combines classic Italian flavors with a hint of American comfort, making it a perfect weeknight dinner. But how did this dish come to be? Let's explore the history, regional variations, and other fun facts that make this recipe a standout!

History of the Dish

The origins of this dish are deeply rooted in Italian-American cuisine, a fusion of traditional Italian cooking methods with locally available ingredients in the United States. Sausage and peppers, a popular pairing, has been a staple in Italian-American cooking for generations. Typically served in sandwiches or as a main dish, this combination brings together the rich flavors of Italian sausages and bell peppers, with regional American twists. Over time, it evolved into various forms, with pasta being a natural addition to turn it into a full meal.

Regional Characteristics

In different parts of Italy and the U.S., the approach to sausage and peppers can vary widely. In Southern Italy, sausages are often made with a mix of pork and beef, flavored with fennel, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Meanwhile, in the U.S., the dish is often spiced up further with hot Italian sausage and a range of peppers, adding an extra dimension of heat and flavor. Some versions may feature bell peppers in a more subdued manner, while others use hot chili peppers to kick up the spice.

What Makes This Dish Different?

What sets this Sweet and Spicy Sausage and Pepper Pasta apart from similar dishes is the balance between sweetness and heat. The addition of sweet bell peppers and the creaminess of the heavy cream help to tone down the fiery heat from the spicy Italian sausage and crushed red pepper flakes. Additionally, cooking the sausages whole and then slicing them adds a delicious texture and ensures they retain their juiciness, which is often lost when the sausages are pre-sliced before cooking.

Where Is This Dish Typically Served?

This dish is a favorite in many Italian-American homes, often appearing on family dinner tables or at casual gatherings. It's commonly found in Italian-American restaurants, where its served as a hearty main course. The combination of meat, vegetables, and pasta makes it a satisfying meal on its own, perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. While it might not be as traditional in Italy as in the U.S., it is popular in Italian-American communities, especially in the Northeastern states.

Interesting Facts

• Versatile Ingredients: The dish can be easily adapted for different diets. For example, swapping out traditional sausage for turkey sausage or even vegetarian alternatives makes it accessible to more people.
• Comfort Food: The creamy texture and savory flavors make this dish a comfort food favorite, perfect for cool evenings or after a long day of work.
• Simple Yet Flavorful: The combination of just a few core ingredientssausage, peppers, onions, and pastaproves that simplicity can be delicious.
• Family Tradition: Many families have their own version of sausage and peppers, often passed down through generations, making it a dish full of personal history and cultural significance.

Conclusion

The Sweet and Spicy Sausage and Pepper Pasta is not only a delicious and easy-to-make dish but also a dish with deep cultural roots. Its balance of sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser, whether you're serving it at a family dinner or enjoying it as a quick weeknight meal. Give it a try, and who knowsyou might be adding a new family tradition to your kitchen!

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