Sausage, Bell Pepper and Cheese Pasta
In this pasta recipe, gemelli is tossed with Italian sausage, red bell pepper, cherry tomatoes and store-bought bell pepper spread. Add bocconcini for a nice textural contrast. Serve this dish family-style, on a busy weeknight or over the weekend.
Ingredients
- 4 Italian sausages, casings removed
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) tomato paste
- 1 ½ cups (375 ml) chicken broth
- 2 cups (280 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 lb (450 g) gemelli or penne pasta
- ½ cup (125 ml) store-bought red pepper spread
- 1 container (200 g) bocconcini cheese, drained and torn
- Basil leaves, torn, to taste
Instructions
- In a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sausage meat in the oil for 5 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
- Add the onion and bell pepper. Continue to cook for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add the chicken broth and cherry tomatoes. Bring to a boil. Simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta until very al dente. Drain.
- Add the pasta to the skillet of sauce. Mix well. Add the bell pepper spread and half of the cheese. Stir to coat the pasta well in the sauce. Cook until the pasta has absorbed the sauce and the cheese is slightly melted. Adjust the seasoning.
- Place the skillet at the centre of the table. Top with the remaining cheese. Sprinkle with basil leaves. Serve immediately.
In this pasta recipe, gemelli is tossed with Italian sausage, red bell pepper, cherry tomatoes and store-bought bell pepper spread. Add bocconcini for a nice textural contrast. Serve this dish family-style, on a busy weeknight or over the weekend.