Sweet Pepper and Sausage Pasta with Caramelized Bell Peppers

Ingredients

• 1/2 lb mild or spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
• 2 tbsp tomato paste, divided
• 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
• 1/2 sweet onion, thinly sliced
• 2 medium red or yellow bell peppers, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1 1/2 tsp light brown sugar
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
• 8 oz dry short-cut pasta (rigatoni, penne, or fusilli)
• Kosher salt, to taste
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
• Toasted breadcrumbs, for serving (optional)