Spaghetti with Sausage and Peppers
Smoked turkey sausage with strips of fresh bell peppers is a healthy change of pace from Italian sausage or ground beef in your spaghetti.
Smoked turkey sausage with strips of fresh bell peppers is a healthy change of pace from Italian sausage or ground beef in your spaghetti.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 medium onion halved and thinly sliced
- 2 medium sweet red peppers julienned
- 6 drops hot pepper sauce
- 12 ounces uncooked spaghetti
- 1 package (14 ounces) smoked turkey sausage, cut into 1/4-i
- 2 medium green peppers julienned
- Carbohydrate 36.4301867652131 g
- Cholesterol 57.5 mg
- Fat 12.3834931565485 g
- Fiber 2.64521190958098 g
- Protein 20.4841529683611 g
- Saturated Fat 3.45663971014721 g
- Serving Size 1 1 servings. (182g)
- Sodium 58.9224133290386 mg
- Sugar 33.7849748556321 g
- Trans Fat 1.27217067297367 g
- Calories 344 calories
Step-by-step
- Cook spaghetti according to package directions.
- Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven coated with cooking spray, cook and stir sausage until lightly browned.
- Add peppers and onion; cook 2 minutes longer.
- Stir in the tomatoes, garlic, pepper sauce, paprika, salt and cayenne; cook until vegetables are tender.
- Combine cornstarch and broth until smooth; add to sausage mixture.
- Bring to a a boil.
- Cook and stir until thickened, about 2 minutes.
- Drain spaghetti; toss with sausage mixture.
A Busy Mom's Quick and Healthy Spaghetti Delight
As a working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Dinner needs to be quick, easy, and – let's be honest – something the whole family will actually eat. Forget elaborate recipes and fussy ingredients; my go-to weeknight meal is a simple, yet satisfying, spaghetti with sausage and peppers. It's a dish that’s flexible enough to adapt to whatever vegetables I have on hand, and it's surprisingly healthy, too!
The secret to this recipe's speed and success lies in its simplicity. I use smoked turkey sausage, which brings a delicious smoky flavor without the heaviness of traditional Italian sausage. It's lower in fat and calories, making it a guilt-free indulgence. The addition of bell peppers adds a vibrant color and a burst of sweetness, balancing the savory sausage perfectly. And the best part? It’s all cooked in one pot, minimizing cleanup time – a crucial factor in my busy schedule!
I often prep the vegetables the night before or even earlier in the week, storing them in airtight containers in the fridge. This way, dinner comes together in under 30 minutes on those hectic weeknights. My kids love the colorful peppers and tender spaghetti, and even my picky eater usually cleans his plate. I've experimented with adding different types of peppers – from sweet red and green to spicy jalapeños – to keep things interesting. Sometimes I'll throw in some zucchini or mushrooms for added nutrients. It's truly a blank canvas for culinary creativity.
This recipe is more than just a quick meal; it’s a testament to the power of simple ingredients and efficient cooking. It’s a celebration of those moments when, despite the chaos of a busy day, we can still come together around a table, sharing a delicious and healthy meal that brings us comfort and connection. It's the kind of food that nourishes not only our bodies, but also our souls.
Beyond the practicality, this dish also offers a delicious and healthy way to incorporate vegetables into your family's diet. The vibrant colors of the peppers are visually appealing, making the dish even more attractive to children. It’s a subtle way to sneak in extra vitamins and nutrients without sacrificing taste. The smoky flavor of the turkey sausage adds a depth that complements the sweetness of the peppers, creating a flavor profile that’s both satisfying and exciting.
So, if you're looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious weeknight meal that won't break the bank or consume your entire evening, I highly recommend giving this spaghetti with sausage and peppers a try. It's a recipe that has become a staple in my household, and I'm confident it will become a favorite in yours too. The simplicity allows for adaptation to your tastes and preferences, making it a truly versatile and satisfying dish. Enjoy!
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
- Add some greens: Toss in a handful of spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute the sausage with mushrooms or plant-based sausage.
- Creamy variation: Stir in a dollop of cream cheese or ricotta cheese at the end for a richer sauce.
- Cheese please: Top with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
