This delicious and hearty recipe brings together the comforting flavours of whole wheat spaghetti with the robust taste of Italian sausage punctuated by the sweet and slightly smoky notes of red bell peppers. It's a simple yet satisfying dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers.
Most of the ingredients used in this recipe are common pantry staples. However, the dry vermouth may not be readily available in every household. It is a type of fortified wine that adds a unique depth of flavor to the dish. If you don't already have it, you can easily find it in the wine section of your local supermarket.
Ingredients for Whole Wheat Spaghetti with Sausage and Peppers
Olive oil: An essential in Italian cuisine, used for sauteing the sausage and vegetables.
Italian sausage: Adds a hearty, robust flavor to the dish.
Onion: Gives the dish a sweet, caramelized undertone.
Red bell peppers: Adds color, sweetness and slightly smoky flavor.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Garlic: Provides a spicy, aromatic note.
Tomatoes in thick puree: Provides acidity and depth to the sauce.
Chicken broth: Adds more flavor than just using water.
Dry vermouth: A fortified wine that enriches the sauce.
Flat-leaf parsley: Adds freshness and color to the dish.
Whole-wheat spaghetti: A healthier alternative to regular spaghetti, it's high in fiber.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor and creamy texture.
One reader, Genevieve Bowens says:
This whole wheat spaghetti with sausage and peppers recipe is a game-changer! The combination of flavors is simply divine. The sausage adds a delicious savory element, and the peppers bring a nice crunch. The whole wheat spaghetti is a healthier alternative without compromising on taste. It's a must-try for anyone looking for a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Key Techniques for Preparing Whole Wheat Spaghetti with Sausage and Peppers
How to cook Italian sausage: Cook the Italian sausage in a large frying pan over moderate heat, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 8 minutes.
How to slice sausage: Once the sausage is cooked, allow it to cool slightly before cutting it into ½-inch slices.
How to cook the vegetables: Add the onion, peppers, and salt to the pan and cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables begin to brown, about 5 minutes. Cover and cook for an additional 3 minutes until the vegetables are soft. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
How to simmer the sausage and pepper mixture: After adding the tomatoes, broth, vermouth, reserved sausage, any accumulated juices, parsley, and remaining salt to the pan, bring the mixture to a simmer.
How to cook whole-wheat spaghetti: In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the whole-wheat spaghetti for about 12 minutes until just done.
How to toss the spaghetti with the sausage-and-pepper mixture: Drain the cooked spaghetti and toss it with the sausage-and-pepper mixture and the parmesan.
How to serve: Serve the whole wheat spaghetti with sausage and peppers with additional parmesan and enjoy!
How To Make Whole Wheat Spaghetti with Sausage
Have a serving of this piquant whole wheat spaghetti made flavorful with Italian sausage, bell peppers, and parsley in tomato sauce, tossed with parmesan.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1tbspolive oil
- 1lbmild Italian sausage,or hot
- 1onion
- 2red bell peppers
- 1¾tspsalt
- 3garlic cloves
- 1cuptomatoes in thick puree,canned, crushed
- 1cupchicken broth,low-sodium
- 2tbspdry vermouth,or dry white wine
- 3tbspflat-leaf parsley,chopped
- ¾lbwhole-wheat spaghetti
- 2tbspparmesan cheese,grated
Instructions
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In a large frying pan, heat the oil over moderate heat. Add the sausage and cook, turning, for about 8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove.
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When the sausage is cool enough to handle, cut it into ½-inch slices.
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Add the onion, peppers, and ¾ teaspoon of salt to the pan. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to brown.
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Cover and cook, stirring occasionally for about 3 minutes longer until the vegetables are soft. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for about 30 seconds.
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Add the tomatoes, broth, vermouth, the reserved sausage, any accumulated juices, the parsley, and the remaining 1 teaspoon salt, and bring to a simmer.
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In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the spaghetti for about 12 minutes until just done.
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Drain and toss with the sausage-and-pepper mixture and the parmesan.
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Serve with additional parmesan, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 806.13kcal
- Fat: 42.33g
- Saturated Fat: 14.47g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 19.61g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 5.64g
- Carbohydrates: 75.90g
- Fiber: 2.37g
- Sugar: 5.89g
- Protein: 33.27g
- Cholesterol: 91.14mg
- Sodium: 993.39mg
- Calcium: 134.96mg
- Potassium: 828.63mg
- Iron: 5.27mg
- Vitamin A: 131.28µg
- Vitamin C: 90.28mg
Expert Tip for Perfecting Whole Wheat Spaghetti with Sausage and Peppers
When preparing the whole-wheat spaghetti, ensure you don't overcook it. Al dente pasta, which is cooked to be firm to the bite, is ideal for this recipe. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and lose its shape when mixed with the sausage and pepper mixture. To achieve al dente texture, start testing the pasta about 2 minutes less than the package instructions. Once cooked, drain immediately to stop the cooking process.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Spaghetti Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop and slice the vegetables and sausage the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
One-pot cooking: Consider using a large skillet or pot to cook the entire dish in one go, reducing the number of dishes to clean.
Multitask: While the sausage is cooking, start boiling the water for the spaghetti to save time.
Quick cleanup: Clean as you go to minimize the mess and make the post-cooking cleanup faster.
Use pre-made sauce: Consider using store-bought tomato sauce to save time on preparing the sauce from scratch.
Efficient slicing: Use a sharp knife or a food processor to quickly and evenly slice the vegetables and sausage.
Substitute Ingredients For Whole Wheat Spaghetti with Sausage and Peppers Recipe
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar smoke point and mild flavor, making it a suitable replacement for olive oil in this recipe.
mild Italian sausage - Substitute with chicken or turkey sausage: Chicken or turkey sausage can be used as a leaner alternative to pork sausage, while still providing a flavorful protein component to the dish.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder, sweeter flavor compared to onions, adding a subtle depth to the dish.
red bell peppers - Substitute with yellow or orange bell peppers: Yellow or orange bell peppers can be used as a substitute, providing a slightly sweeter flavor and vibrant color to the dish.
salt - Substitute with low-sodium soy sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce can be used to add a savory, salty flavor while reducing the overall sodium content of the dish.
garlic cloves - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a convenient alternative to fresh garlic, providing a similar flavor profile.
tomatoes in thick puree - Substitute with canned crushed tomatoes: Canned crushed tomatoes can be used as a substitute for tomatoes in thick puree, providing a rich, thick base for the sauce.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a vegetarian-friendly alternative to chicken broth, while still adding depth of flavor to the dish.
dry vermouth - Substitute with dry white wine: Dry white wine can be used as a substitute for dry vermouth, adding a subtle acidity and depth of flavor to the dish.
flat-leaf parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro can be used as a substitute for flat-leaf parsley, providing a fresh, herbaceous flavor to the dish.
whole-wheat spaghetti - Substitute with brown rice spaghetti: Brown rice spaghetti can be used as a gluten-free alternative to whole-wheat spaghetti, while still maintaining a similar texture and appearance.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino Romano cheese: Pecorino Romano cheese can be used as a substitute for parmesan, offering a similar salty, nutty flavor to complement the dish.
How to Plate and Serve Whole Wheat Spaghetti with Sausage and Peppers
Elevate the plating: When presenting the dish, focus on creating a visually appealing arrangement. Use the vibrant colors of the peppers and sausage to create a beautiful and appetizing display on the plate.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley just before serving to add a pop of color and a touch of freshness to the overall presentation.
Incorporate texture: Consider adding a crunchy element to the dish, such as a delicate parmesan crisp or a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs, to provide a contrast in texture and elevate the dining experience.
Emphasize the rustic charm: Consider serving the whole wheat spaghetti with sausage and peppers in a rustic, earthy-toned bowl or on a wooden platter to enhance the comforting and hearty nature of the dish.
Focus on precision: Pay attention to the placement of each component on the plate, ensuring that the dish is presented with precision and attention to detail, reflecting the high standards of a Michelin-starred establishment.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Spaghetti with Sausage and Peppers
- Frying pan: A flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning foods.
- Cutting board: A durable board on which to place material for cutting.
- Knife: A sharp-edged tool used for cutting or slicing ingredients.
- Large pot: A deep cooking vessel used for boiling, stewing, and blanching.
- Colander: A bowl-shaped kitchen utensil with perforations for draining liquids from food.
- Tongs: A gripping tool used to lift and hold foods while cooking.
- Grater: A kitchen utensil with sharp-edged perforations for shredding foods.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Tools used to measure precise amounts of ingredients for cooking and baking.
- Wooden spoon: A utensil typically used for stirring, mixing, and serving.
- Spatula: A flat, flexible tool used for lifting, flipping, and spreading ingredients.
- Garlic press: A tool used to crush garlic cloves efficiently.
- Pasta pot: A specialized pot with a strainer insert for cooking and draining pasta.
- Cheese grater: A tool designed specifically for grating cheese into fine pieces.
- Serving platter: A large, flat dish used for serving food to guests or family members.
Storing and Freezing Instructions for This Spaghetti Dish
To store leftover whole wheat spaghetti with sausage and peppers, allow the dish to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to help loosen the sauce and prevent the pasta from drying out. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
To freeze, portion the cooled spaghetti into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label and date the containers before placing them in the freezer.
Frozen whole wheat spaghetti with sausage and peppers can be stored for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw the frozen portion in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheat the thawed spaghetti in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a small amount of chicken broth or water to help reconstitute the sauce and prevent the pasta from drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through.
If you prefer, you can also freeze the sausage and pepper mixture separately from the whole wheat spaghetti. This allows you to defrost and reheat the components separately, ensuring the best texture for the pasta.
The Best Methods for Reheating Leftover Spaghetti
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover whole wheat spaghetti with sausage and peppers in an oven-safe dish, and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the dish is heated through. This method helps to retain the moisture in the pasta and prevents it from drying out.
For a quicker reheating option, use your microwave. Place the leftovers in a microwave-safe container, and add a splash of water or chicken broth to help keep the pasta moist. Cover the container with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check the temperature and continue heating in 30-second intervals until the dish is heated to your liking.
If you prefer a crispy texture, reheat the spaghetti with sausage and peppers in a skillet. Add a small amount of olive oil to the pan and heat it over medium heat. Add the leftovers to the skillet and stir occasionally, allowing the pasta to crisp up slightly and the flavors to meld together. This method works best for smaller portions.
For a more flavorful twist, transform your leftovers into a spaghetti frittata. Beat a few eggs in a bowl, and then add the leftover pasta and any additional herbs or cheese you desire. Pour the mixture into an oven-safe skillet and cook over medium heat until the bottom is set. Then, transfer the skillet to a preheated oven and bake until the top is golden brown and the frittata is cooked through.
Interesting Trivia About Whole Wheat Spaghetti with Sausage and Peppers
Whole wheat spaghetti with sausage and peppers is a classic Italian dish that originated in the southern regions of Italy. It is a popular comfort food that combines the savory flavors of sausage and peppers with the wholesome goodness of whole wheat spaghetti. This dish is not only delicious but also provides a good source of protein and fiber. It's a great way to incorporate whole grains into your diet while enjoying a hearty and satisfying meal.
Budget-Friendly: Is This Spaghetti Recipe Economical for Home Cooking?
This whole wheat spaghetti with sausage and peppers recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as Italian sausage, bell peppers, and whole-wheat spaghetti, are reasonably priced and readily available. The dish offers a hearty and satisfying meal for a family of four at an approximate cost of $15. The flavors and textures of the dish make it a solid choice for a weeknight dinner. Overall, I would rate this recipe an 8 for its affordability, flavor, and ease of preparation.
Is This Spaghetti Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
The whole wheat spaghetti with sausage and peppers recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, using whole wheat spaghetti instead of regular pasta increases the fiber content, which is beneficial for digestion and overall health. The inclusion of bell peppers and onions adds vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to the dish. However, the use of Italian sausage, which is typically high in saturated fat and sodium, can be a concern for those watching their intake of these nutrients. Additionally, the recipe calls for added salt, which may be excessive for some individuals, especially those with high blood pressure or other cardiovascular concerns.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Opt for a leaner protein source, such as chicken or turkey sausage, to reduce the saturated fat content
- Reduce the amount of added salt, and instead, enhance the flavor with herbs and spices like oregano, basil, or red pepper flakes
- Increase the proportion of vegetables in the dish, adding more bell peppers, onions, or even incorporating other nutrient-dense options like spinach or zucchini
- Use a low-sodium chicken broth to help control the overall sodium content
- Experiment with alternative whole grain pasta options, such as quinoa or lentil pasta, for added protein and fiber
Editor's Opinion: Thoughts on This Sausage and Peppers Pasta Dish
This whole wheat spaghetti with sausage and peppers recipe is a delightful blend of savory flavors and wholesome ingredients. The combination of mild Italian sausage, sweet red bell peppers, and aromatic garlic creates a rich and satisfying sauce. The use of whole-wheat spaghetti adds a nutty flavor and hearty texture, while the addition of Parmesan cheese provides a deliciously indulgent finish. The dish is well-balanced and offers a comforting yet nutritious meal option. It's a perfect choice for those seeking a satisfying and flavorful pasta dish with a touch of Italian flair.
Enhance Your Whole Wheat Spaghetti with Sausage and Peppers Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Whole Wheat Spaghetti with Sausage and Peppers Recipe:
This recipe uses high-quality ingredients, including mild Italian sausage and whole-wheat spaghetti, ensuring a delicious and nutritious meal. The combination of red bell peppers and onion adds a burst of flavor and vibrant colors. The use of chicken broth and dry vermouth enhances the depth of the dish, while parmesan cheese adds a rich and savory finish. The step-by-step instructions guarantee a successful outcome, making this recipe a trustworthy choice for a satisfying and wholesome meal.
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