📖 Instructions

1. First, get all your ingredients prepped. This means slicing the sausage, chopping the peppers and onions, and turning your zucchini into zoodles. I use a spiralizer, but a julienne peeler works too. You can even buy pre-made zoodles at most grocery stores, and that's what I do mostly now.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it's browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease. I hate greasy food, don't you?
3. Add the sliced bell peppers and onion to the skillet with the sausage. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the peppers are tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes more. The peppers should be soft enough to easily pierce with a fork.
4. Stir in the tomato sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Your kitchen should now smell amazing!
5. Add the zoodles to the skillet and toss to coat them evenly with the sauce. Cook until the zoodles are tender but still slightly firm, about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to overcook them, or they'll get mushy. No one wants mushy zoodles!
6. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to your liking. If you want it spicier, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes. I like things pretty spicy, myself. You can also add a tablespoon of sugar to balance the flavor and give it a rich feel. If it is too spicy for your test, add more tomato sauce.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. I love a little extra Parmesan! A pinch of red pepper flakes never hurt nobody either!