Next, in a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and let it warm up for a minute. Then, add the sausage. I love using Italian sausage because it adds a ton of flavor. Cook it until it’s nicely browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. The smell of sizzling sausage fills up the kitchen, and at this point, I’m already salivating!
Once the sausage is fully cooked, toss in the chopped bell pepper, zucchini, and minced garlic. Stir everything together and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender but still vibrant. The colors are so inviting; it’s like a rainbow in your frying pan! Then, add the cherry tomatoes and Italian seasoning, and give it a good stir.
Finally, combine the pasta with the sausage and vegetable mixture. Add salt and pepper to taste, and let everything simmer together briefly—around 2-3 minutes—so that the flavors can meld beautifully. When you serve this dish, I always love to top it off with some fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan for that extra touch of goodness!
Pro Tips for Best Results
One tip I swear by is to always taste as you go. I remember making this dish the first time and thinking the spice was just right but found it a bit bland after it cooled. Adding a little more pepper or Italian seasoning at the end can elevate the flavors.
I also like to roast the cherry tomatoes for a deeper flavor. Just toss them with a touch of olive oil, salt, and pepper, then place them in the oven on broil for about 5-10 minutes before adding them to the skillet. It transforms the whole dish!
Lastly, if you want to make it a bit healthier, consider adding spinach or kale towards the end of cooking. They wilt beautifully and add more nutrients, plus, they look stunning against the colorful veggies!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One mistake I often made in the past was not seasoning the pasta water. Trust me; it makes a huge difference! Ditch the bland pasta by salting the water generously—it gives the entire dish a foundational flavor. (See the next page below to continue…)