20-Minute Sausage Pasta Skillet

Yield: 4-6 Servings    Prep Time: 5 min     Cook time: 15 min

This sausage pasta recipe is quick, easy, and full of incredible flavors.

Ingredients you need for the 20-Minute Sausage Pasta Skillet

  • 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

1. To make the sausage pasta skillet: Cook pasta according to package directions, until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Heat a bit of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausages and cook until browned on all sides. You can add 1/4 cup (60ml) of water so they don’t blacken and stick to the pan. When the sausages are almost cooked, transfer to a cutting board.

3. In the same skillet (remove water but keep the brown bits), add 1 tablespoon oil and sauté onions with crushed fennel seeds, crushed chili pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Add the garlic, ground tomato and continue to sauté for a couple of minutes, stirring constantly. Then add bell pepper and diced tomatoes and cook until vegetables are crisp-tender. Stir in broth and cook for another minute or so. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

4. Slice sausage into 1/4 or 1/2-inch pieces and add back to the skillet with other ingredients. Cook for 5 to 10 minutes, until sausage is cooked through and sauce is thickened.

5. Add pasta to the skillet and reheat for a couple of minutes, stirring gently to coat the pasta with the sauce. Garnish the sausage pasta skillet with basil, chopped scallion, and parmesan cheese. Enjoy!