A delightful twist on a classic pasta dish, combining savory sausage and vibrant bell peppers in a rich marinara sauce.
Cook the ziti pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Reserve a cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency later.
In a frying pan, cook the Italian sausages over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Remove and slice into bite-sized pieces.
Let the sausages rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain their juices.
In the same pan, sauté the bell peppers until they are tender but still slightly crisp.
Add a pinch of salt to enhance the natural sweetness of the peppers.
In a saucepan, combine the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, minced garlic, and fresh basil. Simmer over low heat for 10 minutes.
Stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the pan.
Add the cooked sausage and sautéed bell peppers to the marinara sauce. Stir to combine and heat through.
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Serve the cooked ziti topped with the sausage and bell pepper marinara. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.