Imagine twirling your fork through velvety sauce, smoky sausage, and sweet peppers all tangled up in pasta—this is the heart and soul of the Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that brings sheer joy, turning any ordinary night into a delicious celebration. With vibrant colors, bold flavors, and a lusciously creamy finish, it’s no wonder this recipe is always a hit at my table. Let’s dive in and make dinner unforgettable!

Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta Recipe lies in the simplicity and quality of its ingredients. Every element plays a role, from the richness of good sausage to the freshness of sweet peppers, creating that crave-worthy balance in every bite.

Pasta: Penne or rigatoni are ideal, capturing every drop of sauce in their ridges and tubes.
Olive oil: Just a splash starts off the base, giving a fruity backdrop for everything to sauté.
Italian sausage: Go for mild or spicy according to your heat preference; the bold seasoning deepens the whole dish.
Red bell pepper: Provides beautiful color and a naturally sweet taste that balances the savory elements.
Yellow bell pepper: Adds extra sweetness and gorgeous contrast to the sauce.
Onion: Melts down to bring underlying savory notes and a touch of sweetness.
Garlic: Just a few cloves go a long way, infusing the sauce with aromatic, bold flavor.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a subtle spicy kick, sprinkle as much or as little as you want.
Chicken broth: Adds savory depth and creates a silky foundation for the creamy sauce.
Heavy cream: Makes the sauce irresistibly rich, tying the sausage and peppers together.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts beautifully for that iconic nutty, salty depth.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing and brightening up the flavors at the end.
Chopped fresh parsley: A final scatter of freshness for color and herby lift.

How to Make Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking your penne or rigatoni until perfectly al dente. The ideal texture is tender with just a little bite. Once done, drain and set aside, but be sure to reserve half a cup of pasta water—this secret ingredient will help your sauce cling luxuriously to every noodle later on!

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

In a spacious skillet, heat the olive oil over medium. Crumble the Italian sausage into the pan, breaking it up as it sizzles, and cook until it’s crispy and browned all over. This step is where so much flavor builds, as the little browned bits—those golden treasures—are what make the finished sauce irresistible. Set the browned sausage aside on a plate for later.

Step 3: Sauté the Peppers and Onion

In the same skillet, toss in the sliced red and yellow bell peppers along with the onion. Cook for about five minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and their natural sweetness blossoms. This is where the kitchen fills with that signature aroma, hinting at the deliciousness to come.

Step 4: Add Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes

Stir in the minced garlic and, if you’re feeling spicy, a pinch of red pepper flakes. Let these sizzle for just about a minute. This quick burst of heat releases those classic, punchy flavors without burning the garlic, keeping the sauce fragrant and balanced.

Step 5: Simmer with Broth and Build the Sauce

Return the sausage to the pan with the veggies, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring everything up to a gentle simmer for a couple of minutes, mixing all those delicious bits together. This deglazes the pan, ensuring nothing tasty is left behind!

Step 6: Creamify with Cream and Cheese

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream plus all that nutty Parmesan. Watch as everything melts into a dreamy, creamy sauce. Be patient here—stir until it’s completely smooth and unified, tasting for salt and black pepper as you go to get that perfect savory finish.

Step 7: Toss with Pasta

Add your cooked pasta right to the skillet, tossing to coat every piece with the creamy sausage and peppers sauce. If the sauce feels a bit thick, use a splash of that reserved pasta water and stir until everything is glossy and luscious.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Take the Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta Recipe off the heat, then finish with a generous shower of chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately while it’s piping hot—the scent alone is pure comfort and joy!

How to Serve Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

A touch of fresh parsley is classic, but don’t be afraid to sprinkle some extra Parmesan right on top for a salty flourish. A crack of black pepper or a few chili flakes adds a dramatic finish, especially if you want to amp up the color and flavor.

Side Dishes

Pair this hearty pasta with a crisp green salad—think arugula or mixed baby greens tossed in lemon vinaigrette. A few slices of crusty Italian bread or garlic knots are perfect for mopping up every last bit of that creamy sauce, which would be a shame to waste!

Creative Ways to Present

For a showstopper presentation, serve the Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta Recipe in a large, shallow bowl at the center of the table. Or, for a rustic Italian touch, pile it high in individual wide pasta plates with parsley and shaved Parmesan scattered tableside so everyone can customize their perfect bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any of this irresistible dish left—though that’s rare—it stores beautifully. Allow the pasta to cool before transferring to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to three days and makes a lovely lunch or a quick reheat dinner the next day.

Freezing

Cream-based sauces can be a little tricky in the freezer, but you can freeze this pasta if needed. Portion it into airtight containers, leaving a little space for expansion. When thawed, the sauce may separate slightly, but a gentle reheat will bring it mostly back to its creamy self.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy again, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk, cream, or even some reserved pasta water to help revive the sauce’s texture. Stir occasionally and heat until everything is creamy and warmed through—it’ll taste nearly as wonderful as the day you made it!

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While Italian sausage gives that classic depth, feel free to substitute with turkey sausage or even chorizo for a different spin. You can control the heat by choosing sweet, mild, or hot sausage varieties.

Is there a way to lighten up the Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta Recipe?

Yes! Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even evaporated milk for a lighter, but still creamy, finish. Turkey or chicken sausage can also bring the calories down without sacrificing flavor.

Can I add more veggies to the pasta?

Of course. Spinach stirred in at the end wilts beautifully, while sun-dried tomatoes boost both flavor and color. Zucchini or mushrooms would also meld perfectly into the base of the Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta Recipe.

What if my sauce is too thick?

No worries—just stir in a bit of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches the glossy, creamy texture you crave. This trick ensures your pasta isn’t weighed down and every bite is saucy.

How do I make the Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta Recipe vegetarian?

Simply swap the Italian sausage for your favorite plant-based sausage or crumbled tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and you’ll have a vibrant, fully vegetarian dinner with all the essence of the original.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a comforting, flavor-packed meal, this Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta Recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your rotation. It’s easy, universally loved, and always delivers that wow-factor. Gather your ingredients, invite someone you love to the table, and savor every creamy, peppery, sausage-studded bite!

Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 18 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in a comforting yet flavorful dish with this Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta recipe. It combines the richness of Italian sausage, the sweetness of bell peppers, and the creaminess of Parmesan cheese for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)

Sauce:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
1 red bell pepper (sliced)
1 yellow bell pepper (sliced)
1 small onion (sliced)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook the pasta: Boil pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
Sauté sausage: Brown sausage in olive oil, then set aside.
Sauté veggies: Cook peppers, onion, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
Make sauce: Add broth, cream, and Parmesan. Simmer until creamy.
Combine: Mix in sausage and pasta. Adjust consistency with pasta water. Season and garnish to serve.