Cheap Easy Dinners

So you’re craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen, huh? Same. And your wallet is looking a little thinner than you’d like after that *ahem* ‘essential’ online shopping spree? Been there, bought the T-shirt. Literally. Fear not, my culinarily curious comrade, because today we’re whipping up a dinner that’s so ridiculously easy and cheap, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with takeout.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Okay, so why is this ‘Super Speedy Sausage & Pepper Pasta Skillet’ your new BFF? First off, it’s a one-pan wonder. Fewer dishes means more time for Netflix or contemplating the meaning of life (whichever you prefer). Second, it’s practically idiot-proof – seriously, even I managed not to burn the house down. It’s also incredibly versatile, meaning you can swap things out based on what you *actually* have in your fridge instead of making a special trip to the store. And did I mention it’s super budget-friendly? Your wallet will thank you, probably with a little happy dance.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 lb pasta: Any short pasta works great – penne, rotini, farfalle. Just avoid spaghetti unless you’re feeling adventurous and like wrangling long noodles in a skillet.
• 1 lb sausage: Italian sausage (mild or hot, your call), chicken sausage, even a firm plant-based sausage. We’re not picky!
• 2 bell peppers: Any colors, really. Red, yellow, orange – make it a party! Chop ’em up roughly.
• 1 onion: Medium-sized, chopped. Tears are optional but highly likely.
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes: The hero of our sauce.
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth: Gives our pasta a nice bath.
• 1 tbsp olive oil: Just a splash to get things going.
• 2-3 cloves garlic: Minced. Because everything is better with garlic, fact.
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning: Or just some oregano and basil if that’s all you’ve got.
• Salt and pepper: To taste, duh.
• Optional for garnish: Fresh parsley or Parmesan cheese. Because fancy, even on a budget.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Grab your biggest skillet (or a Dutch oven, if you’re feeling fancy). Heat that baby over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of olive oil.
2. Toss in your sausage. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks until it’s nice and browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease – nobody wants a greasy dinner!
3. Add the chopped onion and bell peppers to the skillet. Sauté them with the sausage for about 5 minutes, until they start to soften up a bit.
4. Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Cook for just 1 minute more until you can smell that glorious garlic aroma. Don’t burn it, that’s a sad smell.
5. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and broth. Give the whole shebang a good stir.
6. Now for the pasta! Add your uncooked pasta directly to the skillet. Make sure it’s mostly submerged in the liquid. If it’s not quite covered, add a splash more broth or water.
7. Bring it all to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
8. Once the pasta is perfectly al dente (meaning it still has a little bite, not mushy!), remove from heat. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
9. Serve it up! Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan if you’re feeling extra. Enjoy your triumph!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not stirring the pasta: You’re cooking pasta directly in the sauce, not boiling it separately! If you don’t stir occasionally, you’ll end up with a giant pasta brick stuck to the bottom of your pan. Don’t be that person.
• Forgetting to cover the pan: The steam helps cook the pasta. Leaving it uncovered will just evaporate all your liquid and leave you with crunchy, uncooked noodles. We’re making dinner, not potpourri.
• Overcooking the pasta: Keep an eye on it! Al dente is the goal. Mushy pasta is just… sad. Taste a piece around the 15-minute mark to check for doneness.
• Skipping the seasoning: Don’t just dump ingredients in and hope for the best. Taste and adjust your salt and pepper at the end. It makes a world of difference, trust me.

Alternatives & Substitutions

• Protein Swap: No sausage? No problem! Use ground beef, ground turkey, or even canned chickpeas for a vegetarian twist. Just cook them as you would the sausage.
• Veggie Variety: Bell peppers aren’t your jam? Or maybe you just have a rogue zucchini or some spinach wilting in the back of the fridge. Toss ’em in! Spinach can be added at the very end to just wilt, while firmer veggies like zucchini or mushrooms can go in with the onions.
• Spice it Up: If you like a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic. Or, IMO, a dash of hot sauce at the table never hurt anyone.
• Cheesy Goodness: Stir in a handful of shredded mozzarella or cheddar at the very end until melted for an extra layer of comfort. Because cheese.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

• Can I use any kind of pasta? Mostly! Short pastas like penne, rotini, or shells work best as they cook evenly and fit nicely in a skillet. Long pastas are a bit awkward to stir and submerge properly in this method.
• What if my pasta isn’t cooked but all the liquid is gone? Uh oh, rookie mistake! Just add another splash (about half a cup) of broth or water, cover, and continue cooking until tender. Next time, make sure it’s covered and don’t forget to stir!
• Can I make this vegetarian? Absolutely! Skip the sausage and add an extra can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans or chickpeas when you add the crushed tomatoes. Or use a plant-based sausage, as suggested earlier.
• How long do leftovers last? Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, this dish is usually good for 3-4 days. FYI, it makes fantastic lunch meal prep!
• Do I have to drain the sausage? If your sausage is super fatty, yes! Too much grease can make the dish heavy and less pleasant. If it’s leaner, a little bit of rendered fat can add flavor. Use your best judgment, chef!

Final Thoughts

See? You’re practically a culinary wizard now! This ‘Super Speedy Sausage & Pepper Pasta Skillet’ isn’t just a meal; it’s a statement. A statement that says, ‘I can eat well, save money, and still have time for my cat memes.’ So go ahead, pat yourself on the back, and devour your delicious, easy-peasy dinner. Now go impress someone—or yourself—with your new culinary skills. You’ve earned it! Happy cooking, friend!