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Ashlee

Tomato Basil Pepper Pasta

Inspired from a trip to Arizona in February. This flavorful Italian pasta dish has the best sauce combined with penne pasta, sausage, bell peppers and fresh basil. It's quick and easy you'll want to add it into your regular meal planning rotation.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Dishes
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 9 ounces penne pasta
  • 1 lb mild Italian sausage with sage
  • 1/2 onion, chopped
For the Sauce:
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 (16 oz) jar roasted red bell peppers
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • Kosher salt and ground pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
For the Garnish:
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

Method
 

  1. In a medium saucepan, cook penne pasta according to box instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, cook Italian sausage until cooked through, about 5 minutes. Add onions and cook until transparent. 
For the Sauce:
  1. Stir in garlic, dried basil and Italian seasoning. Add in flour and whisk until lightly browned, about 1-2 minutes.
  2. In a blender, combine red bell peppers and chicken broth until it creamy and smooth. Transfer to skillet and bring to a boil for about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Add pasta and heavy cream. Stirring frequently and let cook for about 6-8 additional minutes. Reduce to a simmer.
  4. Add Parmesan cheese until it's melted. Then, stir in a few fresh basil leaves. Season with kosher salt and ground pepper to taste.
For the Garnish:
  1. Serve immediately. Garnish with remaining fresh basil leaves, if desired.