If restaurant comfort food that comes together on a weeknight is your idea of a wonderful recipe, you will be making Johnny Carino’s Skilletini over and over again.
Its hearty skillet pasta tossed with Italian sausage, peppers, onions, and a thick tomato sauce.
The final touch is a beautiful sprinkle of grated Parmesan that makes every forkful feel indulgent but not overly fussy to prepare.
This is a perfect recipe for busy evenings as most of the work is nested in one pan. Brown the sausage, soften the vegetables, warm the sauce, and finish by tossing in the pasta; minimal pots, minimum clean up, maximum flavor.
Give this easy version a try for a terrific family dinner, or bring it straight from your stovetop skillet to the table and share it with guests for a casual meal. The Johnny Carino’s Skilletini Recipe gives you a comforting, saucy pasta that tastes like it came from your favorite Italian neighborhood restaurant.
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Why You’ll Love Johnny Carino’s Skilletini
First, it is easy weeknight food that still feels special. We like recipes that are simple but have a lot of flavor. The Italian sausage gets browned, which gives the sauce a nice meatiness and savour. Peppers and onions sweeten the sauce and add texture.
Second, it is highly adaptable. You can use hot italian sausage or even sweet sausage, change spaghetti to rigatoni, toss in some spinach at the end, or even add a splash of cream for a richer sauce. The method is forgiving and you can make it your own.
Third, a one-pan dish is a time saver and dishwasher saver. Everything finishes in the skillet so you can serve right out of the pan. We find that makes it a more relaxing and fun dinner experience.
Ingredients Required for Johnny Carino’s Skilletini Recipe
Before you start, make sure you have all the following ingredients listed below for this Johnny Carino’s Skilletini Recipe
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti or your favorite pasta
- 1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage (sweet or hot), casings removed
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 large bell pepper, sliced (any color)
- 3 cups pasta sauce (marinara or jarred red sauce of choice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or shallow sauté pan with lid
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Colander for draining pasta
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Grater for Parmesan
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
How To Make Johnny Carino’s Skilletini
Just follow these easy steps to make your own Johnny Carino’s Skilletini at home
1. Prepare the pasta.
Boil salted water in a large pot. Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Brown the Italian sausage.
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until it is no longer pink and starting to brown, about 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer the sausage to a plate.
3. Sauté the vegetables.
Wipe the skillet clean with a paper towel and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced onion and bell pepper and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Move the sautéed vegetables toward the side of the pan.
4. Warm the sauce.
Reduce the heat to low. Pour the pasta sauce into the skillet in the center to warm it for 2 to 3 minutes until it starts to simmer. Add the cooked sausage back to the skillet and stir to combine.
5. Fold in the pasta.
Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss with the sauce, sausage, and sautéed vegetables. If the sauce looks thick, add the reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until silky smooth and coats the noodles.
6. Finish and serve.
Remove from heat. Sprinkle 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan over the top and toss gently. Transfer to bowls or serve straight from the skillet. Garnish with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley if desired.
How to Store Johnny Carino’s Skilletini Properly?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place a skillet over medium-low heat, add in a splash or two of water or sauce, and gently heat while stirring until heated through. Alternatively, single servings can be microwaved for 60 to 90 seconds, stirring halfway through.
What to Pair and Serve with Johnny Carino’s Skilletini
1. With Warm Garlic Bread
We’ve found that a loaf of crusty garlic bread is the perfect companion. It soaks up the extra sauce beautifully and turns the meal into a full Italian-style feast.
2. Over a Bed of Sauteed Spinach
Sometimes we want something a bit lighter, so we spoon the Skilletini over garlicky sautéed spinach. It adds freshness and makes each bite feel balanced.
3. Topped With Fresh Basil or Arugula
Adding a handful of basil or peppery arugula right before serving adds brightness that cuts through the richness of the sausage.
4. With a Simple Side Salad
A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette always works well. It’s refreshing and helps round out the meal without extra heaviness.
5. With Toasted Italian Bread Crumbs
We often sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch. It gives the dish a restaurant-style finish with almost no effort.
6. Next to Roasted Vegetables
Roasted zucchini, eggplant, or mushrooms pair incredibly well. We’ve noticed that the smoky flavors make the tomato sauce taste even richer.
7. With a Splash of Cream or a Dollop of Ricotta
Sometimes we stir in a spoonful of ricotta or a splash of cream for a silkier texture. It turns the Skilletini into a cozy, comforting version of itself.
8. Paired With Grilled Chicken
When we want extra protein, we slice grilled chicken over the top. It’s a great option for big family dinners where everyone wants something a little different.
9. With Parmesan Garlic Knots
Homemade or store-bought, garlic knots make this meal feel like a full Italian restaurant experience. They’ve become a regular pairing in our kitchen.
10. With a Glass of Red Wine or Sparkling Water
A medium-bodied red wine works beautifully, but on weeknights we often just serve it with sparkling water and lemon. Either way, the meal feels complete.
My Personal Experience With this Recipe and Some Tips
I made this Skilletini for dinner last week, and it was so good. The kitchen smelled amazing while the sausage cooked. The peppers and onions got soft and sweet. When I mixed everything together, it felt easy and fun. My family ate every bite, and everyone asked for more.
Some Tips
1. Cook the sausage until it is brown and not pink.
2. Cut the peppers and onions the same size so they cook evenly.
3. Warm the sauce on low heat so it does not burn.
4. Save a little pasta water to help the sauce stick.
5. Use fresh Parmesan for better taste.
6. Let the pasta sit in the sauce for one minute before serving.
FAQs on Johnny Carino’s Skilletini Recipe
Here are some common questions I’ve got you covered about the Johnny Carino’s Skilletini Recipe.
1. Can I use a different pasta instead of spaghetti?
Yes – we’ve swapped in rigatoni or penne when we didn’t have spaghetti, and it works great. The sauce clings well to those shapes.
2. Do I have to brown the sausage first?
Definitely. Browning the sausage adds caramelized flavor and renders fat that flavors the whole skillet. We always cook it until nicely browned.
3. What kind of sausage should I use – sweet or hot Italian?
Either works! We’ve made it both ways. Sweet sausage gives a more mellow flavor, while hot sausage gives a kick. Choose depending on your mood.
4. Can I make this without onions or bell peppers?
Yes, but the peppers and onions add a sweet-vegetable layer that balances the sausage and sauce. If you skip them, consider adding extra garlic or herbs to make up for the flavor.
5. My sauce seems too thick or too thin – how do I fix it?
We usually keep some pasta water reserved. If the sauce is thick, add a splash of pasta water until it’s silky. If too thin, simmer a little longer to reduce it.
6. Can I add crushed red pepper or garlic for extra spice?
For sure. We often sprinkle in garlic or red pepper flakes while sautéing the peppers and onions for extra depth.
7. Is this recipe good for leftovers?
Yes – we’ve stored leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of sauce or water to revive the texture.
8. Can I bake this in the oven instead of finishing on the stove?
You can – after combining everything in the skillet, you could transfer it to a baking dish, top with Parmesan, and bake briefly to meld flavors and slightly brown the top.
9. What do I do if I don’t have a large skillet?
You can use two pans: brown the sausage in one, sauté the veggies in another, then combine both with the sauce in one pan afterward. We’ve done that when our usual skillet was occupied.
10. Can I lighten this recipe (make it lower calorie)?
Yes. We’ve replaced part of the sausage with turkey sausage or added extra veggies in place of some meat. Also, use part-skim Parmesan and a lighter pasta sauce to trim calories without losing too much flavor.
The recipe for Johnny Carino’s Skilletini demonstrates that satisfying, restaurant-style dinners do not have to be complicated. As simple as three ingredients (and one pan), it will provide a comforting meal the entire family will enjoy.
Give this a try for dinner, and feel free to adjust with hotter sausage or extra vegetables. If you enjoyed this recipe, please share a photo of your skillet, and subscribe for more easy copycat recipes! Happy cooking!
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