Hearty Italian sausage and sweet pepper pasta recipe for vegans

Vegan Italian Sausage and Sweet Pepper Penne. Photo by News Canada

Start slow and simple if you’re looking to add plant-based offerings to your dinner repertoire. For example, this vegan take on a comfort-food favourite combines plant-based sweet Italian sausages with a handful of pantry staples.

Vegan Italian Sausage and Sweet Pepper Penne

Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 45 minutes | Serves: 6

Ingredients:
  • 2 tbsp (30 mL) olive oil, divided
  • 1 pkg (400 g) PC plant-based sweet Italian sausage
  • 2 onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 each sweet red and yellow pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 can (796 mL) no-salt-added diced tomatoes
  • ½ tsp (2 mL) each salt and black pepper
  • 1/3 cup (83 mL) lightly packed fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped, plus additional for garnish
  • 4 cups (1 L / ¾ lb / 340 g) dry penne
Directions:

1. Heat 1 tbsp (15 mL) oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Cook sausages, turning frequently, until browned and cooked through; about 12 to 14 minutes. Transfer to cutting board. Set aside.

2. Heat remaining 1 tbsp (15 mL) oil in same skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions; cook, stirring occasionally until softened; about 3 to 5 minutes. Add garlic; cook, stirring often, until fragrant; about about 1 minute. Add sweet peppers; cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and tender-crisp; about 6 to 8 minutes.

3. Stir in diced tomatoes (with juices), salt and black pepper; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer; cook, stirring frequently, until sauce is thickened; about 18 to 20 minutes.

4. Slice sausages into ¾-inch (2 cm) thick rounds; stir into sauce. Cover and cook 5 minutes. Uncover; stir in basil.

5. Meanwhile, bring large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add pasta, stir occasionally until water returns to a boil. Cook according to package directions or until al dente or tender but firm; 11 to 12 minutes. Drain.

6. Divide pasta among serving plates or bowls. Top with sauce, dividing evenly. Sprinkle with basil.

Tip: Nutritional yeast makes a great vegan alternative to grated Parmesan – try sprinkling it over top of your pasta before serving.

Nutritional information per 2 cups: calories 400, fat 12 g, sodium 570 mg, carbohydrates 61g,?dietary fibre 8 g, sugars 9 g, protein 16 g.? 

—NC

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