Penne with Sausage and Peppers

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne until al dente, approximately 9 minutes or as package label directs. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup cooking liquid. Return pasta to pot.

Warm oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook, stirring to break up chunks, until no longer pink, 5 to 6 minutes. Remove sausage to a plate, and pour off all but 1 Tbsp. fat.

In same skillet, cook peppers, onion and seasonings over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender, about 12 minutes. Add sausage to pepper mixture; cook, stirring, until warmed through, about 30 seconds. Taste and season with salt and pepper, if desired.

Add sausage mixture to pasta. Toss to combine, adding cooking liquid as necessary to moisten. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan if desired.