I’ve got to say, the Quick and Savory Sausage Pasta Skillet has become my go-to for those hectic weeknights when I just can’t deal with complicated recipes. Seriously, it’s like a warm hug in a bowl. With a few simple ingredients, you can whip up something that feels both comforting and impressive. And don’t worry, if you’re running low on pantry staples, I’ll share some great substitutions. Trust me, you’ll want to stick around for those tips.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
When it comes to weeknight dinners, this Sausage Pasta Skillet is like a warm hug on a plate.
Seriously, I can whip up this 20-minute sausage pasta skillet faster than I can find my car keys. You know those days when you’re exhausted and just want something cozy? That’s this dish. It’s packed with flavor, from the spiced Italian sausage to the fresh veggies.
Plus, tossing everything together is way simpler than it sounds. I mean, who doesn’t want less time cooking and more time dining? I can already hear the kids asking for seconds, which always boosts my culinary ego.
Equipment List
Gathering your tools before diving into the kitchen can make all the difference, and for this 20-minute sausage pasta skillet, you’ll need just a handful of essential equipment.
You’ll want a large skillet—trust me, the more space, the better. A pot is necessary for boiling the pasta; no one enjoys clumpy noodles. Don’t forget a sharp knife for slicing up that sausage and veggies. A cutting board is vital too; no one wants a kitchen accident.
And hey, you’ll need a wooden spoon to stir everything together—nothing fancy, just something to mix things up. A measuring cup and spoon will help you nail those broth and spice measurements.
If you’re serious about cooking, owning a set of essential stainless steel mixing bowls can make your prep work smoother and more organized, so be sure to invest in a quality set.
It’s all about keeping things simple and fun, right?
Our Ingredients
Alright, let’s plunge into the delicious world of this sausage pasta skillet, shall we?
Imagine a rich, savory dish bubbling away on your stovetop in just 20 minutes—perfect for those hectic weeknights or when you want to impress loved ones without slaving away in the kitchen.
It’s all about speed, flavor, and those cozy, nostalgic vibes that come from hearty pasta loaded with all the good stuff.
So, without further ado, here’s what you’ll need to gather for your culinary adventure.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 large tomatoes, diced
- 2 tbsp crushed tomato
- ½ cup vegetable or chicken broth
- ½ tsp crushed chili pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tsp fennel seeds, crushed
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil and scallions for garnish
Now that we’ve our ingredients listed, let’s talk about them a bit.
The star of the show here is definitely the Italian sausage.
Choosing a quality sausage definitely makes a difference as it adds a deep, savory flavor to the dish.
And speaking of flavors, don’t shy away from the spices!
The crushed chili pepper and fennel seeds bring a nice kick and aromatic quality that’ll have your taste buds dancing—yes, even if they don’t actually know how to dance.
Plus, feel free to adjust the heat to your liking; you want it spicy but not so much that it’ll make you regret your life choices.
Oh, and fresh basil on top adds that lovely burst of freshness, making everything look and taste just a bit more gourmet.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this Sausage Pasta Skillet is a breeze—perfect for those nights when you’re feeling a bit lackluster but still want to serve up something scrumptious. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let’s jump into the steps to get this flavor-packed dish on your dinner table in no time!
1. Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling a large pot of water and adding 1 lb of penne pasta. Remember to salt the water for a flavorful base. Cook the pasta until al dente, following the package instructions for timing, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
(Don’t forget to save a bit of that pasta water—it’s liquid gold!)
2. Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet, toss in 1 lb of Italian sausage over medium heat. Use a spatula to break it into small pieces as it cooks. Continue to stir until the sausage is browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
Then, remove it from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
(Oh, the aroma of that sausage will be a tempting tease.)
3. Sauté the Veggies: In the same skillet, add a splash of oil if necessary, and toss in 1 small red onion (sliced) and 1 sliced red bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and smells divinely fragrant.
Then, add in 4 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
(You want your kitchen to smell like a cozy Italian bistro, right?)
4. Cook the Tomatoes: Next, stir in 2 tbsp of crushed tomato along with 4 large diced tomatoes and ½ cup of vegetable or chicken broth. Sprinkle in ½ tsp of crushed chili pepper, 1 tsp of Italian seasoning, and 2 tsp of crushed fennel seeds.
Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture thickens up a bit.
(Keep an eye on it—don’t want it to boil over!)
5. Combine Ingredients: Return the sliced sausage to the skillet and stir to combine. Let that beautiful mixture simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and create a sauce that’s oh-so-satisfying.
(Seriously, this is when you might find yourself doing a little dance in the kitchen.)
6. Mix in the Pasta: Finally, add the cooked penne to the skillet, tossing everything together so that the pasta is well-coated in that luscious sauce. If the mixture seems too thick, use a splash of that reserved pasta water to bring it all together.
Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed to find that perfect balance of flavors.
7. Garnish and Serve: Once everything looks good and is heated through, plate your delicious sausage pasta skillet. Add fresh basil and sliced scallions on top for a pop of color and flavor.
And voila, dinner is served!
(Prepare for compliments, or, at the very least, some happy bellies.)
And there you have it! A simple yet indulgent meal that showcases the best of premium kitchen cookware with minimal fuss. You’ll be left wondering why you didn’t make this sooner. Enjoy!
Tips & Variations
While there’s a certain comfort in sticking to the original recipe, I sometimes like to play around with ingredients and flavors when I whip up this Sausage Pasta Skillet. For instance, why not switch the Italian sausage for spicy chorizo for a little kick? Trust me; it adds a whole new vibe.
If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some spinach or kale near the end—yum!
And if tomatoes aren’t your thing, I’ve subbed them with creamy Alfredo sauce before; talk about decadent.
Oh, and feel free to play with the spices—maybe add a pinch of smoked paprika or some red pepper flakes. Cooking should be a fun experiment, right? You never know what new favorite you might create.
How to Serve?
Serving up this Sausage Pasta Skillet is one of the best parts of the cooking experience. I love dishing it out while it’s still steaming, it just feels right.
Grab your favorite bowl or plate—something that’ll showcase the colorful ingredients. A sprinkle of fresh basil and scallions not only livens up the dish but also makes you look like a pro, right?
Don’t forget to set out an extra shaker of Parmesan cheese; it’s always a hit. As I’m serving, I often joke about how being the chef means I get first dibs.
Seriously though, enjoy it while it’s hot, since the flavors come alive right out of the skillet! Trust me, your taste buds will thank you later.
Storage & Reheating Guide
When it comes to storing your delicious Sausage Pasta Skillet, I’ve got a few tips that’ll keep your meal as tasty as the first time around.
First, let it cool completely before packing it up. I usually just throw it in an airtight container. It’ll last for about 3-5 days in the fridge.
If you want to keep it longer, freeze individual portions. Just be sure to label those containers—I once pulled out a mystery meal that resembled an alien creature.
For reheating, I’d suggest using the stovetop; it heats evenly and keeps the flavors vibrant. Just add a splash of broth if it seems dry. Microwaving works too, but I’m honestly not the biggest fan of soggy pasta. Additionally, using a Stainless Steel Bento Box is a great way to store your pasta while minimizing any risk of leaching harmful chemicals into your food.
Final Thoughts
I’ve got to say, nothing beats the comfort of a warm bowl of Sausage Pasta Skillet, especially after a long day.
There’s a special joy in tossing together simple ingredients and creating a dish that feels like a hug. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve whipped this up when I just want something easy yet satisfying.
And let’s be real—who doesn’t love one-pot meals? Less washing up, more time for Netflix, right?
You can customize it, too—throw in whatever veggies you’ve got lying around. Even if you burn the garlic a bit, it still tastes great (trust me, I’ve done it).
