Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, combining juicy sausage with sweet peppers, onions, and a rich, creamy sauce. This hearty pasta dish is full of flavor, easy to make, and perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. The creamy sauce beautifully coats the pasta, while the sausage and peppers add depth and texture, making each bite irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Ingredients:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape)
- 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, based on preference)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large bell pepper, sliced (red or green)
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or white wine for extra flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
Prepare the pasta:
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Cook the sausage:
- Brown the sausage: While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the sausage from its casing and crumble it into the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
Sauté the vegetables:
- Cook the peppers and onions: In the same skillet, add the sliced bell pepper and onion. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
Make the creamy sauce:
- Add the liquids: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Season the sauce: Stir in the dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine the pasta and sausage:
- Add the sausage and pasta: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, stirring to combine with the vegetables and sauce. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together. If the sauce seems too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
Finish and serve:
- Add Parmesan and garnish: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes:
- Sausage Variations: You can use ground turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version of the dish. For a spicier kick, try using spicy Italian sausage.
- Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for more texture and flavor.
- Make-Ahead: The creamy sausage and peppers pasta can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth.
Conclusion:
Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta is a flavorful, comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The creamy sauce, combined with the savory sausage and sweet peppers, creates a satisfying meal that everyone will love. Whether you’re feeding a family or serving guests, this dish is quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Make it today for a delicious, creamy pasta dinner that will quickly become a favorite!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta ahead of time, and how should I store and reheat it?
Yes, you can absolutely make this pasta dish ahead! Allow the pasta to cool completely after assembling, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, add a splash of heavy cream or chicken broth to the pasta in a skillet over medium heat and stir until heated through, or reheat in the microwave, stirring halfway through. This will help restore the creamy texture.
What are some good ingredient substitutions if I don’t have Italian sausage or bell peppers?
For the sausage, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken sausage; use 1 pound for a similar result. For the bell peppers, you can use a combination of other colorful peppers, like poblano or Anaheim peppers, but adjust the cooking time slightly. If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half, but the sauce might be a bit thinner; consider adding a tablespoon of cornstarch to thicken it.
How do I know when the sausage and peppers are perfectly cooked?
The sausage is cooked when it’s browned and cooked through; there should be no pink remaining. The peppers and onions are done when they are softened and slightly caramelized, usually after 5-6 minutes of sautéing. For the pasta, cook it until al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite. The sauce is ready when it has slightly thickened, usually after simmering for 3-4 minutes.
Can I double or triple the recipe to serve a larger group?
Yes, you can easily scale up this recipe! When doubling, use a larger skillet and consider cooking the sausage and vegetables in batches to ensure even cooking. You might need to increase the cooking time for the sauce slightly to allow it to thicken properly. For tripling, you may need to use two skillets or a large stockpot.
What are the main nutritional benefits of this Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta dish?
This dish provides a good source of protein from the sausage, along with vitamins and fiber from the peppers and onions. The Parmesan cheese adds calcium, and the pasta provides carbohydrates for energy. The addition of heavy cream adds fats, so enjoy this dish in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta – Rich, Savory, and Flavorful
A delightful blend of savory sausage, sweet bell peppers, and creamy sauce served over pasta for a satisfying meal.
Prep
: 10
Total
: 25 minutes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta e.g., penne or rigatoni
- 1 pound sausage Italian preferred, casings removed
- 2 cups bell peppers sliced, mixed colors
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt to taste
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese grated
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the sausage over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.
- Add sliced bell peppers to the skillet and sauté until they are tender.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it in the sauce.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Serve immediately.
Notes
For a spicier dish, add crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the sausage.
