w04-r04 Sausage and Bell Pepper Pasta

Microwave 1 TBSP butter in a small bowl until melted, about 20 seconds. Stir in 1⁄4 cup panko (we sent more), mozzarella, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Once boiling, add pasta to pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente, 10-12 minutes. Reserve 1⁄2 cup pasta cooking water, then drain. Meanwhile, heat 1 TBSP oil in a large, oven-safe pan over medium-high heat. Add bell pepper and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and slightly softened, 3-4 minutes.

Stir onion, garlic, and another drizzle of oil into pan. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring, until softened, about 4 minutes. Add sausage, seasoning, and a pinch of chili to your taste. Cook, breaking up meat into pieces, until browned, 4-5 minutes.

Stir tomatoes, 1⁄2 tsp sugar, and a pinch of salt and pepper into pan. Simmer until slightly thickened, about 1 minute. Stir in drained pasta and enough pasta cooking water to create a creamy sauce (start with a few splashes and add more from there). Evenly sprinkle with panko mixture.