Mama Mickey’s Sausage & Peppers

I moved out of state almost two years ago.. and one of the many things I miss is my mom’s cooking. Luckily for me (and now you) she graciously shared the recipe with me so I can make it as much as I want. It’s nice to have a little taste of home although it still doesn’t taste as good as hers! With her permission, I present to you the simplest, most delicious pasta dish you’ll ever put in your mouth.

1lb sweet Italian sausage

1 large can of Cento San Marzano peeled tomatoes (this part is essential.. I’ve tried substitutions and it is never the same)

3 Cloves Garlic, minced

1 Shallot, thinly sliced (julienned)

1/4 cup chopped pepperoni (we usually use a thin pizza pepperoni like Hormel)

1/4 cup chopped prosciutto

1 red pepper, sliced

1 green pepper, sliced

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp brown sugar

1 Box Rigatoni

Salt & Pepper to taste

I know it seems INSANE to think that the only seasoning is salt and pepper.. but the even more insane part is that I hardly ever have to add it after the salt from all the meats. The flavors merry so nicely that it just works.

Start by boiling your pasta and setting it aside.

Next, brown all of your meat along with your garlic and shallot over medium heat until it starts smelling like you’re running a 5 star kitchen. Then, add your tomatoes, crushing them by hand into your pot, along with all of the sauce in the can. Throw in your sugar and Worcestershire sauce, cover and cook on a low medium until all of the ingredients are well acquainted with eachother— approx. 15 minutes or so.

At this point, you can add your salt (if needed) and pepper. Remove the lid and add your sliced peppers, mix well and turn to low. Let these peppers simmer for 5-10 minutes to soften up. You don’t want them to lose all of their crunch and be floppy & mushy. You’re looking for a soft, bendable pepper that still has a nice bite. Then, you’ll mix your pasta in and let it come back up to temp with the sauce and you’re ready to serve!!!

I usually top mine with grated Parmesan, chili oil and sometimes a little fresh basil if I’m feeling fancy :) I really hope you enjoy this as much as my family does! It has definitely become a staple on my mama’s table, hopefully it will become one on yours as well ❤️ #pastarecipe #secretrecipe #italianfood #easymeals #crowdpleaser #Lemon8Diary #groceryessentials #family #momscooking #homecooking