When we didn’t have four kids and it wasn’t so terrifying to go out to a restaurant, we ate at Olive Garden a lot. Shane always got Sausage and Peppers Rustica and I always got Seafood Portofino. Then one day, Sausage and Peppers Rustica was no longer on the menu. They’ve since added it back on, but it was missing from the menu for a few years.
So, I made up this recipe to satisfy Shane’s need for Sausage and Peppers Rustica. It’s really nothing fancy or special. You could use fresh herbs instead of dried and that would be much tastier.
Every Sunday I make a pot of something and he takes that for lunch during the week. It has to be quick and simple because I usually end up making dinner at the same time. This is a recipe I make for his lunch a lot.
It’s a bit thick because that’s how he likes it. You can always add another 8 oz. can of tomato sauce to thin it out a bit.
Ingredients
- 16 oz. penne
- 1 lb. sausage, sliced thinly
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- salt and pepper
- 4 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 (28 oz.) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz.) tomato sauce
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1.5 Tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Cook penne al dente and set aside.
- Cook sausage for a few minutes, do not drain.
- Add up to 1 Tbsp olive oil as needed to cook onion and bell pepper. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and cook until tender.
- Add garlic, tomatoes, sugar and seasoning.
- Simmer until hot.
**Recipe Disclaimer: No recipes were harmed in the making of this pasta dish. All credit has been given where credit is due. If you believe that an error has been made please send me a pleasant email (preferably not in all caps) to inform me of your concerns. I also ask that you please read my entire blog post before rendering any verdicts. Thank you!**
Yummy! I just had something similar for lunch!
Nicolette Roux @ Powerful Mothering recently posted…Crochet A Dress, My First Try
You did!? Are you sure you didn’t just steal my recipe? I mean, how many people in this whole wide world would come up with something this fantastic? ;)
I did read your mind while you were typing it out! haha
Nicolette Roux @ Powerful Mothering recently posted…How To Make A Rolled Salad
Looks yummy! This is the type of recipe I miss most since Jerry’s allergy diagnosis. Tomato is out more than once a week, and wheat too. Putting them together? A big no-no.
Oh no! I’m so sorry you can’t eat tomatoes and pasta. I can’t imagine how difficult it is to have to cook with food allergies in mind. I’ve always thought you are such a good wife and mom to work so hard at it. I find some of the weird foods you cook with interesting though and I hope you’ll blog about it a little now that we’ve got the MOI blog back up!
I also quite like this dish served over polenta, rather than penne.
It’s a nice change from pasta, and polenta is gluten-free.
That’s a great idea Moara! I’ve only made polenta for my family once. I don’t even remember what we all thought of it. But, I’ll try your suggestion next time.