Penne, peppers, and chicken-apple sausage sauté is a hearty skillet pasta dish featuring tender noodles, sweet red peppers, onions, garlic, and savory precooked sausage.
Mild chicken-apple sausage gives this meal a slightly sweet flavor that balances the vegetables and seasonings.
With 15 minutes of preparation and 45 minutes of cooking, this recipe makes a satisfying dinner for family gatherings or meal preparation.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 servings
- Cooking Method: Stovetop
- Main Ingredients: Penne pasta, chicken-apple sausage, red peppers, onion, and garlic
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 sweet red peppers, chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
- 5 links precooked chicken-apple sausage, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 3 packages (16 ounces each) penne pasta
- Garlic and herb seasoning blend, to taste
- Sea salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pasta
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the penne and cook uncovered for approximately 11 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender but still firm to the bite. Drain thoroughly in a colander and set aside.
2. Sauté the Peppers
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped red peppers and sauté for approximately 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook until the peppers begin to soften while retaining some texture.
3. Cook the Onion and Garlic
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and continue cooking for another 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly golden. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 5 minutes, allowing its aroma to develop without letting it burn.
4. Add the Chicken-Apple Sausage
Stir the sliced precooked sausage into the skillet, combining it with the vegetables. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 10 minutes so the sausage warms through and the flavors blend.
5. Combine and Season
Add the drained penne to the skillet and gently toss everything together. Reduce the heat to low and season with garlic and herb seasoning, sea salt, and ground black pepper according to taste.
Stir until the pasta is evenly coated with the vegetable and sausage mixture, then serve warm.
Recipe Background and Flavor Variations
This skillet meal was inspired by a family recipe originally prepared with very spicy chicken sausage. The recipe was later adapted with mild chicken-apple sausage to accommodate family members who preferred a gentler flavor.
The result is a combination of savory sausage, naturally sweet peppers, aromatic garlic, and tender pasta.
For a spicier version, substitute hot chicken sausage or add red pepper flakes. Italian sausage is another option for a more traditional savory taste. You can also use different pasta shapes, such as macaroni, or choose a suitable low-carb pasta alternative.
Tips for a Moist and Flavorful Skillet
- Prevent dryness: The large quantity of pasta can absorb much of the moisture from the vegetables. Add a can of diced tomatoes or canned mushrooms with their liquid if the mixture seems too dry.
- Adjust the pasta quantity: For a smaller household, reduce the pasta and scale the other ingredients accordingly to maintain a balanced ratio.
- Add extra richness: A little additional olive oil or a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese can make the finished dish richer and more satisfying.
- Include more vegetables: Chopped zucchini, orange peppers, or yellow peppers add color, texture, and variety.
- Avoid overcooking: Cook the pasta until just firm, as it will be combined with the hot sausage and vegetables before serving.
Nutrition Facts
The following nutritional information is provided per serving, based on the original 24-serving yield.
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 269 | — |
| Total Fat | 5g | 6% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Cholesterol | 22mg | 7% |
| Sodium | 79mg | 3% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 45g | 16% |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g | 10% |
| Total Sugars | 2g | — |
| Protein | 11g | 22% |
| Vitamin C | 13mg | 15% |
| Calcium | 17mg | 1% |
| Iron | 2mg | 12% |
| Potassium | 131mg | 3% |
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Actual nutrition may vary depending on the sausage, pasta, seasonings, and serving size used.
