Plant-Based Italian Sausage Pasta

Go vegetarian for pasta night! Plant-based Italian sausage adds a meaty texture and loads of flavor in this easy pasta dish.

• Preparation Time: 30 mins
• Cooking Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 60 mins
• Calories: 591 Calories

Ingredients

• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon white sugar
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• ¼ cup dry red wine
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1 medium onion, cut into thin wedges
• 2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese, or to taste
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, with juice
• 1 medium yellow bell pepper, cut into bite-sized strips
• 12 ounces vegetarian Italian-style sausage, sliced
• 1 (8 ounce) package dried penne pasta

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Drain.

Step 2

Heat oil in an extra-large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage; cook until browned, turning occasionally, about 5 minutes. Remove from the skillet, reserving drippings in skillet.

Step 3

Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet; cook, stirring, over medium heat until softened, 5 minutes. Carefully add wine to skillet. Cook, scraping up any browned bits, for 1 minute. Add crushed tomatoes, fire-roasted tomatoes, Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, and red pepper. Return sausage to skillet. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes. Uncover and cook until desired consistency, about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Serve pasta topped with sauce and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.