Italian Sausage and Pepper Pasta

 "Ingredients:

- 12 ounces pasta

- 1 pound Italian sausage

- 1 red bell pepper, sliced

- 1 green bell pepper, sliced

- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced

- 1 onion, sliced

- 3 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes

- 1 teaspoon dried oregano

- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

Directions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, add the sliced peppers and onion. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant.

5. Cut the cooked sausage into slices and return to the skillet. Add the diced tomatoes, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes.

6. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until everything is well combined.

7. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil before serving.

Cooking time: 30 minutes

Yields: 4 servings

Nutrition Information (per serving):

Calories: 650

Protein: 25g

Carbs: 65g

Fat: 30g

This recipe is a classic Italian comfort food that's perfect for weeknight dinners. The combination of Italian sausage and colorful bell peppers not only adds a ton of flavor but also makes the dish visually appealing. Using different colored bell peppers not only enhances the presentation but also adds different flavor profiles. The red ones are sweet, the green ones are slightly bitter, and the yellow ones are mild and fruity.

For a healthier twist, you can use whole wheat pasta or zucchini noodles. You can also add other vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrients. For those who prefer spicy food, you can use spicy Italian sausage or add more crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

Remember, the secret to a flavorful pasta dish is to season every layer. Season the sausage,"