One-Pot Pasta with Spicy Sausage and Peppers

Pasta with Italian Sausage and Peppers

Looking for an upgrade from basic spaghetti and meat sauce that still keeps cleanup simple? This one-pot pasta is ready in about 30–35 minutes and delivers intense, well-rounded flavor with minimal effort. The method lets the pasta simmer in the sauce so it absorbs the savory sausage juices and the acidity of the marinara, creating a cohesive, satisfying dish.

The recipe blends ground beef and spicy Italian sausage for depth, then brightens the plate with sautéed red pepper and onion. Calabrian chiles and red pepper flakes add controlled heat that can be adjusted to taste. Top with freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano and basil for balance and freshness. Whether you cook for family or friends, this dish is approachable for cooks of any skill level and scales easily.

Why You’ll Love This Dish…

• One-Pot Convenience: Minimal cleanup and easy preparation for busy evenings.
• Deep, Layered Flavor: Italian sausage, roasted peppers, and a robust marinara combine for a bold profile.
• Customizable Heat: Adjust Calabrian chiles or red pepper flakes to control spiciness.
• Comforting and Hearty: A filling main that delivers the warmth of classic Italian-style pasta.
• Quick to Make: Prep and cook in roughly 35 minutes, from start to finish.

Recipe Shopping List

Below is a straightforward shopping list to gather the main ingredients. Refer to the ingredient amounts in the recipe card further down for exact quantities.

• Ground beef
• Spicy Italian sausage
• Olive oil
• Red bell pepper
• Yellow onion
• Garlic
• Chopped Calabrian chiles in oil
• Crushed red pepper flakes
• Quality marinara sauce
• Water
• Beef bouillon
• High-quality pasta
• Freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano
• Fresh basil

How To Make This Recipe

Here is an overview of the cooking process. For best results, follow the detailed ingredient amounts and the step-by-step instructions in the recipe card below as you cook.

1. Brown the meats: In a large pot over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and spicy Italian sausage together, breaking them up as they cook. Drain any excess fat.
2. Sauté the vegetables: Add a touch of olive oil if needed, then sauté sliced red bell pepper and chopped onion for 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook 1–2 minutes more.
3. Build the sauce: Stir in chopped Calabrian chiles, crushed red pepper flakes, your marinara sauce, water, and beef bouillon. Bring the mixture up to a gentle simmer.
4. Cook the pasta: Add the pasta directly to the simmering pot. Maintain a gentle simmer and stir frequently so the pasta cooks evenly and absorbs the sauce. Add a splash of extra water if the sauce becomes too thick before the pasta is al dente.
5. Finish and serve: When the pasta reaches al dente, remove from heat and serve topped with freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano and torn basil leaves.

Recipe FAQ

Italian Sausage and Cabbage Soup

Serve This With…

• A side of Grilled Asparagus or seasonal vegetables.
• A crisp green salad dressed with a zesty red wine vinaigrette.
• Garlic bread or a crusty Italian loaf to soak up the sauce.

More Pasta Recipes

• Meatball Marinara
• Traeger Chicken Breast and Pasta
• Italian Drunken Noodles
• Breaded Stuffed Shells
• Lasagna Stuffed Shells
• Smoked Lobster Mac and Cheese
• Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
• Shrimp Udon with Miso Brown Butter

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