Ziti with Italian Sausage and Red Peppers

Ziti with Italian Sausage and Red Peppers Recipe from Italy

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Ziti with Italian Sausage and Red Peppers is a delicious and hearty pasta dish that combines the flavors of spicy Italian sausage, sweet roasted red peppers, and tangy tomatoes. This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner at home or for entertaining guests.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional Italian pasta dishes that have been enjoyed for generations. The combination of ziti pasta, Italian sausage, and red peppers is a classic flavor profile that is loved by many.

Ingredients

8 oz (227 g) of ziti (or any other fancy tubular pasta)
1 jar (about 6-8 oz or 227 g) of roasted red peppers
2 italian sausage links, about 4 oz (113 g)
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 tsp of fresh thyme or 0.5 tsp of dried thyme
1 large tomato, peeled, seeded and finely chopped
1 tbsp of red wine vinegar
0.13 tsp of salt

How to prepare

Squeeze the sausages out of their casings and break the meat into small pieces.
Sauté the meat over medium-high heat until it is browned, which should take about 3 minutes.
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the garlic and thyme.
Add the pasta to a pot of 3 qt (2.84 liters) of boiling water with 1.5 tsp of salt. Cook the pasta until it is al dente.
While the pasta is cooking, drain the peppers and cut them into thin strips. Reserve the juice.
Return the skillet with the meat to the heat.
Add the peppers, tomato, vinegar, and 0.13 tsp of salt to the skillet.
Add a small amount of the pepper juice.
Simmer the mixture until it thickens and is reduced by about 0.5, which should take 5-7 minutes.
Drain the cooked pasta and return it to the pot. Add the sauce.
Cover the pot and let the pasta stand for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
Serve the dish topped with grated Romano or Parmesan cheese.

Variations

Substitute chicken sausage for the Italian sausage for a lighter option.
Add some crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Use different colored bell peppers for a more colorful dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the pasta al dente to ensure that it maintains a firm texture and doesn't become mushy.

- Use high-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor in this dish.

- Don't skip the step of simmering the sauce to allow the flavors to meld together and create a rich, flavorful sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish with a side salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to brown the sausage well to develop flavor.

- Simmer the sauce slowly to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any type of pasta you prefer if ziti is not available.

- Substitute canned tomatoes for fresh if needed.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a light red wine like Chianti or a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this dish contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

This dish contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

Each serving of Ziti with Italian Sausage and Red Peppers contains about 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

This recipe provides around 20 grams of protein per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

Ziti with Italian Sausage and Red Peppers is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the pasta and may contain dairy if topped with cheese.

Summary

Ziti with Italian Sausage and Red Peppers is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Ziti with Italian Sausage and Red Peppers is a flavorful and satisfying pasta dish that is perfect for a cozy night in or for entertaining guests. With a balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals, this dish is a delicious and nutritious option for any occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Ziti with Italian Sausage and Red Peppers. It was a warm summer day, and I was rummaging through an old box of recipes that I had collected over the years. As I sifted through the yellowed index cards and torn out magazine pages, my eyes fell upon a hand-written recipe that caught my attention.

The ingredients were simple yet intriguing: ziti pasta, Italian sausage, red bell peppers, onions, garlic, crushed tomatoes, and a blend of Italian herbs and spices. The directions were straightforward, but the combination of flavors seemed to promise a delicious and comforting meal.

I couldn't remember where I had gotten this particular recipe from, but I knew that I had to give it a try. I gathered the ingredients and set to work in the kitchen, chopping the onions and peppers, browning the sausage, and simmering the sauce until it was rich and fragrant.

As the dish cooked, the aroma of garlic and herbs filled the air, and I couldn't wait to taste the final result. When the ziti with Italian sausage and red peppers was finally ready, I took my first bite and was immediately transported back in time.

The flavors were bold and savory, with the sweetness of the red peppers balancing out the richness of the sausage. The ziti pasta was perfectly al dente, soaking up the flavorful sauce and creating a dish that was both hearty and satisfying.

I knew then that this recipe would become a staple in my cooking repertoire, and I couldn't wait to share it with my family and friends. Over the years, I have made this dish countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my tastes and preferences.

Each time I make ziti with Italian sausage and red peppers, I am reminded of that warm summer day when curiosity led me to discover a new favorite recipe. And as I serve this dish to my loved ones, I am grateful for the joy and comfort that good food can bring into our lives.

So, if you ever find yourself in need of a delicious and comforting meal, look no further than ziti with Italian sausage and red peppers. I promise you won't be disappointed. Buon appetito!