Sausage Pasta Stew
A hearty sausage pasta stew packed with colorful peppers, fragrant herbs, and tender pasta, perfect for comforting family meals and quick weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 to 1 1/2 lb. Italian sausage
- 3 medium peppers (green, yellow, reed), chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 6 c. water ⓘ
- 2 (14 1/2 oz.) cans Italian style stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (14 oz.) can chicken broth
- 1 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. fresh basil or dried and crushed ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. fresh oregano or diced ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 2 1/2 c. dried pasta (gemalle, rotini, or bow tie) ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 5-quart or 6-quart Dutch oven, cook sausage, sweet peppers, onions, and garlic over medium heat until the meat is browned and vegetables are tender.
- Drain off fat and pat meat and vegetables with paper towels to remove excess fat.
- Add water, undrained tomatoes, chicken broth, sugar, basil, oregano, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to boiling; reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes.
- Stir in pasta and cook uncovered for 10 minutes more or until pasta is just tender.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with herbs if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using spicy Italian sausage or adding a pinch of red pepper flakes. If you don't have fresh herbs, dried herbs can be substituted at a ratio of 1:3. You can also swap out the pasta for whole grain or gluten-free options. For a heartier version, add vegetables like zucchini or spinach towards the end of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Sausage Pasta Stew with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Marinated Chicken Italiano for an Italian feast. Consider garnishing with freshly chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. This dish also makes excellent leftovers for busy weeknight dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the stew. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions in a covered dish, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sausage Pasta Stew contains roughly 776 calories, with 14g protein, 109g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (68% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (56% of the Daily Value), and calcium (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1051mg per serving (46% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage is traditional, you can use turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based sausage for a lighter or vegetarian version. The spices and herbs will still provide great flavor regardless of the sausage type.
What if I don't have stewed tomatoes?
If you don't have stewed tomatoes, you can substitute with diced tomatoes or crushed tomatoes, adding a bit of Italian seasoning to replicate the flavor. Just be sure to adjust the liquid amounts slightly to maintain the stew's consistency.
Can I make this stew in advance?
Yes, this stew can be made ahead of time and actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat as needed. If you plan to freeze it, consider undercooking the pasta slightly to prevent it from becoming mushy upon reheating.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).