Hearty Italian Sausage Pasta with Fresh Vegetables – A Family Favorite

This Italian Sausage Pasta with Fresh Vegetables is a flavorful and comforting dish that brings together the savory taste of Italian sausage, vibrant vegetables, and perfectly cooked penne pasta. The addition of Cajun seasoning and red wine elevates the flavors, making it a special meal that your family will love. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner.

My family fell in love with this Italian Sausage Pasta with Fresh Vegetables the very first time I made it. The aroma of the sizzling sausage and the medley of fresh vegetables simmering in red wine filled our home with an irresistible scent. It quickly became a requested dish, especially by my husband, who can’t get enough of the rich, hearty flavors. This recipe has now become a staple in our household, often served with a side of garlic bread and a simple salad for a complete, satisfying meal.

Why This Italian Sausage Pasta with Fresh Vegetables?

• Flavorful and Hearty: Combines savory Italian sausage with fresh vegetables and a hint of Cajun spice.
• Simple Ingredients: Uses common ingredients like bell peppers, tomatoes, mushrooms, and onions.
• Rich and Aromatic: Red wine adds depth and enhances the sauce’s flavors.
• Quick and Easy: Ideal for busy weeknights, this dish is easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
• Versatile: Can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free brown rice penne pasta.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
• 1 lb (450 g) Italian sausages, casings removed, sliced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped (100 g)
• 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (15 g)
• 1 bell pepper, finely chopped (150 g)
• 4 tomatoes, chopped, or 15 cherry tomatoes, halved (300 g)
• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (225 g)
• ¾ cup red wine (180 ml)
• 10 oz penne pasta (280 g), for gluten-free use brown rice penne
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded (optional) (50 g)

Directions:

1. Remove the casings from the sausages and slice them into small pieces.
2. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage slices and cook, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Stir in the chopped onion, minced garlic, and half of the Cajun seasoning. Cook on high heat, stirring constantly, until the onion softens.
4. Add the chopped bell pepper, tomatoes, mushrooms, and the remaining Cajun seasoning to the skillet. Cook for about 2 minutes on medium-high heat, stirring constantly to nicely sear the vegetables.
5. Pour in the red wine, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer, covered, for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The liquid should reduce slightly but not completely. Remove from heat and season with salt to taste. Adjust the Cajun seasoning if desired.
6. Cook the penne pasta al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and immediately add the pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Mix everything well, cover, and heat on low for 1-2 minutes.
7. Serve the pasta sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese (optional) and a dash of black pepper.

Notes:

• Substitutions: Feel free to substitute the vegetables with your favorites, such as zucchini or spinach.
• Wine Substitute: If you prefer not to use red wine, you can substitute with chicken broth.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure the pasta is gluten-free by using gluten-free brown rice penne.
• Extra Creaminess: For a creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream before serving.