Italian Sausage & Peppers

Transport your taste buds to the heart of Italy with this vibrant and comforting Italian Sausage & Peppers recipe. The secret to this dish lies in the careful balance of flavors and textures. By cooking the ingredients separately, you’ll achieve the perfect harmony of well-done sausage and veggies that are flawlessly between crisp and tender. As the aroma fills your kitchen, you’ll be reminded of traditional Italian markets and the simple joys of hearty cuisine.

Yield: 6 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 21–25 minutes

Total Time: 31–35 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 6-ounce can tomato paste
• ⅔ cup water
• 1 8-ounce can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ⅛ teaspoon oregano
• ½ pound mild Italian bulk sausage
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• ½ large onion, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 4 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced
• 1 large green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 8 ounces spaghetti, cooked
• Parmesan cheese for serving

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Start by stirring together the tomato paste, water, tomato sauce, dried parsley flakes, garlic powder, and oregano in a large saucepan or skillet. Place the mixture over very low heat on the stovetop, allowing the flavors to meld while you prepare the meat and vegetables.
2. Break the mild Italian bulk sausage into small chunks, approximately ½-inch in size. Arrange the sausage pieces in the air fryer baking pan.
3. Cook the sausage at 390°F for 5 minutes. Give it a stir and continue cooking for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, until the sausage is well-done. Once cooked, remove the sausage from the pan, allowing it to drain on paper towels. Add the cooked sausage to the sauce mixture you prepared earlier.
4. If any grease from the sausage remains in the baking pan, carefully pour it off or use paper towels to absorb it.
5. In the same baking pan, place the extra virgin olive oil, onions, and mushrooms. Stir and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the onions and mushrooms are tender. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the onions and mushrooms to the sauce and sausage mixture.
6. Arrange the chunks of green bell pepper in the air fryer baking pan and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the peppers are tender. Once they are done, stir the cooked peppers into the sauce along with the sausage and other vegetables.
7. To serve, ladle the flavorful Italian Sausage & Peppers over cooked spaghetti. Generously sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the dish for an extra burst of flavor and richness.

COOK’S TIP:

• If you can only find Italian link sausage, you have the option to remove the casing and break up the sausage into small pieces, or alternatively, cut it into ½-inch slices before cooking.

Experience the essence of Italy in every forkful of this Italian Sausage & Peppers dish. The marriage of well-seasoned sausage, tender vegetables, and rich tomato sauce paints a vivid picture of Italian comfort food. Serve it over a bed of perfectly cooked spaghetti and savor the hearty flavors that transport you to the charming streets and cozy trattorias of Italy.