Sausage Pepper Pasta

Ingredients

• 1 pound pasta (such as penne, shells or bow tie)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound Italian sausages (mild or hot, sliced into bite size pieces)
• 3 medium peppers (different colors, diced)
• 1 small onion (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 28 ounce diced tomato (1 can)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated, optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Cook the pasta: According to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2. 2

   Brown the sausage: Add the olive oil to a large skillet or Dutch oven and heat over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned on all sides. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

3. 3

   Saute the sauteables: Add the bell peppers, onions, garlic and saute for a few minutes until the onions soften, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, cooked sausage to the pot and simmer for 10 minutes.

4. 4

   Finish the dish: Toss in the pasta and garnish with parsley. If using, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve warm.