5-ingredient sausage pasta

Bring a large pan of well-salted water to the boil for the pasta.

Meanwhile, warm the olive oil in a wide frying pan over a medium heat. Add the chopped red pepper and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring often, until softened.

Squeeze the sausages from their skins into the pan. Break the meat up with a wooden spoon and fry for 6–8 minutes until browned and cooked through.

Stir in the tomato and chilli pasta sauce, then reduce the heat and simmer for 8–10 minutes so the sauce thickens and coats the sausage pieces.

Cook the penne until al dente according to the packet instructions. Scoop out a mug of pasta water, then drain the pasta.

Toss the penne through the sausage sauce, adding a splash of pasta water if it needs loosening. Taste, season with salt and black pepper, then serve with Parmesan and basil if using.