Mediterranean Italian Noodles
A hearty, colorful, flavor-packed noodle dish with Italian sausage and vibrant Mediterranean ingredients!
📝 Description
This Mediterranean Italian Noodles recipe combines tender egg noodles or pappardelle with savory Italian sausage and a rainbow of bell peppers. Infused with garlic, herbs, and a touch of Mediterranean flair, this dish is rich, comforting, and perfectly balanced. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that tastes restaurant-quality — bold, aromatic, and irresistibly delicious. Every bite features a mix of juicy sausage, sweet peppers, and perfectly coated noodles.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12 oz wide egg noodles or pappardelle
- Salt for boiling water
For the Sauce
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup chicken broth or pasta water
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the Noodles
Boil noodles according to package directions until al dente.
Drain and set aside. Reserve ½ cup pasta water.
2. Brown the Sausage
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high.
Add Italian sausage and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart until browned.
Remove excess grease if necessary.
3. Add Vegetables
Add chopped onion, red + yellow bell peppers, and cook for 4–5 minutes.
Stir in garlic and cherry tomatoes. Sauté another 2 minutes.
4. Season & Add Liquid
Add Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Pour in chicken broth (or pasta water) and simmer 3 minutes to blend flavors.
5. Combine With Noodles
Add cooked noodles to the skillet and toss to coat evenly.
Stir in grated Parmesan and fresh herbs.
6. Serve
Top with extra Parmesan and herbs. Serve warm.
🥄 Notes
- Egg noodles give softness; pappardelle adds elegance — both work great.
- Mild sausage gives a sweeter flavor; spicy adds a kick.
- Add spinach at the end for extra greens.
- For thicker sauce, add a splash more pasta water + Parmesan.
💡 Tips
- Brown sausage well for deeper flavor.
- Don’t overcook peppers — slight crunch adds freshness.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes for extra Mediterranean flavor.
- To make it creamy, add ¼ cup heavy cream or mascarpone.
- Use fresh herbs for brightness — parsley, basil, or oregano.
🍽️ Servings
Serves 4–5
🔢 Nutritional Info (Per Serving, Approx.)
- Calories: 450–520 kcal
- Protein: 25–27 g
- Carbs: 48–52 g
- Fat: 18–22 g
- Fiber: 3–4 g
- Sodium: varies based on sausage
🌟 Benefits
- High-protein meal with balanced carbs & fats
- Loaded with antioxidants from peppers & tomatoes
- Comforting but still fresh and bright
- Customizable — spicy, creamy, cheesy, or veggie-packed
- Quick 25–30 minute dinner
❓ Q&A
Q: Can I use chicken or turkey sausage?
Yes! They work perfectly and reduce fat content.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
Replace sausage with mushrooms or plant-based sausage.
Q: What pasta shape works best?
Pappardelle, egg noodles, tagliatelle, or even penne.
Q: Can I meal-prep this?
Yes — it reheats well. Add a splash of water before reheating.
Q: What can I serve with it?
Garlic bread, simple salad, or roasted veggies.