Orecchiette with Sausage, Fennel, and Sweet Bell Peppers
Orecchiette with Sausage, Fennel, and Sweet Bell Peppers pairs tender pasta with caramelized fennel and juicy peppers for a balanced mix of sweet and savory notes. Crumbled Italian sausage and a touch of tomato paste create a rich, slightly spicy sauce that clings to every bite. Ideal for a cozy weeknight dinner or a casual gathering where bold, comforting flavors shine.
- Prep20 mins
- Cook35 mins
- Serves8
- DifficultyMedium
easyChef Pro health score
Calculated from USDA-referenced nutrient data for the ingredients in Orecchiette with Sausage, Fennel, and Sweet Bell Peppers, not estimated by an AI model. The same recipe returns the same score every time.
- Glycemic ImpactFair
- 53 / 100
- Carb quality, not quantity. Higher is better.
- Nutritional DensityPoor
- 4 / 100
- Nutrients per calorie. Higher is better.
- Energy DensityFair
- 52 / 100
- Calories by weight. Higher means more food for fewer calories.
- NOVA Processed Culinary Ingredients
- 2 / 4
- Processing level, 1 (whole) to 4 (ultra-processed). Lower is better.
How it scores for each health goal
The same recipe scores differently against different goals, because the goal changes the calculation rather than filtering a list. Set your goal in easyChef Pro and every recipe is scored against it.
- 30
- Heart Health
- 64
- Metabolic
- 25
- Digestive
- 22
- Inflammatory
- 31
- Performance
- 33
- General Wellness
- 1
Preheat the oven to 475 degrees F (245 degrees C).
- 2
Toss the bell peppers and fennel with the oil and thyme. Arrange the vegetables on a baking sheet.
- 3
Roast in the preheated oven until tender, 8 to 10 minutes.
- 4
Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and shallot; sauté until the sausage is browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes. Drain and discard the grease.
- 5
Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Stir in the orecchiette and return to a boil. Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, 12 to 14 minutes. Drain, reserving 1 cup of the pasta water.
- 6
Add the orecchiette pasta, tomato paste, garlic, and roasted vegetables to the sausage in the skillet. Cook over medium heat until fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Pour in the reserved pasta water; simmer until the sauce is reduced to your liking, 3 to 5 minutes more. Remove from the heat and stir in the basil before serving.
- Calories 400.3 kcal High 20%
- Protein 16.74 g Good Source 33%
- Carbohydrate 49.86 g 18%
- Total Fat 14.6 g Moderate 19%
- Saturated Fat 4.04 g High 20%
- Trans Fat 0.0 g Low Source 0%
- Cholesterol 38.08 mg Moderate 13%
- Sodium 345.72 mg Moderate 15%
- Dietary Fiber 2.92 g Moderate 10%
- Total Sugars 1.82 g --
- Added Sugars 0.0 g Low Source 0%
- Calcium 71.14 mg Low Source 5%
- Iron 2.02 mg Moderate 11%
- Potassium 175.52 mg Low Source 4%
- Vitamin A 66.88 mcg Low Source 7%
- Vitamin C 79.43 mg Good Source 88%
- Vitamin D 0.0 mcg Low Source 0%
Values are per serving. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
- Wheat 🌾
- Gluten
- Tomatoes 🍅
- Garlic 🧄
- Onions 🧅
About This Recipe
Orecchiette with Sausage, Fennel, and Sweet Bell Peppers is an Italian dinner recipe made with 9 ingredients. It takes about 55 mins, serves 8, and is rated medium. Key ingredients include Bell Pepper, Dried Thyme, Fresh Basil, and Garlic. Each serving provides about 400.3 kcal, and is a good source of protein.
Recipe Questions
- What is Orecchiette with Sausage, Fennel, and Sweet Bell Peppers?
- It is an Italian recipe made with 9 ingredients, usually served for dinner or lunch.
- What is Orecchiette with Sausage, Fennel, and Sweet Bell Peppers made of?
- The main ingredients are Bell Pepper, Dried Thyme, Fresh Basil, Garlic, Italian Pork Sausage. The full list of 9 is above.
- What goes well with Orecchiette with Sausage, Fennel, and Sweet Bell Peppers?
- Explore these Italian side-dish recipes.
- How long does it take to make Orecchiette with Sausage, Fennel, and Sweet Bell Peppers?
- About 55 mins in total: 20 mins to prepare and 35 mins to cook.
- How many calories are in one serving?
- One serving provides about 400.3 kcal. The full nutrition breakdown is above.
- Is Orecchiette with Sausage, Fennel, and Sweet Bell Peppers easy to make?
- This recipe is rated medium, with 9 ingredients and 6 steps.
- Is Orecchiette with Sausage, Fennel, and Sweet Bell Peppers healthy?
- Orecchiette with Sausage, Fennel, and Sweet Bell Peppers has an easyChef Pro health score of 39/100. Per serving, it provides 400.3 calories and 16.74 g of protein, or 33% of the Daily Value. It is a good source of vitamin C. Worth noting per serving: sodium at 345.72 mg (15% of the Daily Value) and saturated fat at 4.04 g (20% of the Daily Value). It contains Wheat, Gluten, Tomatoes, Garlic and Onions, so it may not be suitable for people with those allergies or dietary restrictions. Whether it fits your goals depends on your complete meal plan and nutritional needs. Remix it in easyChef Pro to adjust the ingredients and generate fresh nutrition and scores.
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The calculation evaluates nutrients, calorie density, processing level, and how well the food supports your selected health goal. Protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals and other beneficial nutrients can strengthen the score. High amounts of sodium, saturated fat, added sugar and other nutrients may lower it.
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