If you’re craving something that tastes like a hug in a bowl, this Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta Recipe is your ticket to dinnertime happiness. Saucy, vibrant, and so satisfying, it’s a beautiful union of spicy Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, and tangy Parmesan, all swirled together in a silky cream sauce. The pops of color from the peppers and the richness of the sausage make every bite a party. Whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight meal or having friends over, you’re about to make everyone’s new favorite comfort food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how a handful of pantry staples and fresh vegetables can come together to create something so luxurious. Each ingredient plays a starring role in balancing the flavors, texture, and color of this recipe, so don’t skip a thing!
- 12 oz penne pasta: The perfect canvas, holding all that creamy sauce in each bite.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a silky gloss and depth to the sautéed sausage and veggies.
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed): The heart of the dish, bringing savory flavor and a little kick (or not!).
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Sweet and vibrant, red peppers add bursts of color and natural sweetness.
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced: For extra color and sweetness, balancing the spice of the sausage.
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced: Provides subtle sharpness and a beautiful purple hue.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the whole dish with irresistible aroma and depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Gives a classic Italian flavor note that unites everything together.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Crank this up for extra heat, or leave it out if you prefer.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds richness and helps create a silky sauce base.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The real MVP for decadence, turning everything gloriously creamy.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Salty, nutty, and melts right in to coat every piece of pasta.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for perfect seasoning and bringing out all the other flavors.
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish: Sprinkled on top for freshness and a pop of pretty green.
How to Make Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your penne according to package instructions until perfectly al dente. Drain and set aside, remembering to save a little pasta water just in case you want to loosen up your sauce later. This is the simple but crucial base for our Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta Recipe.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Heat olive oil in a generous skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as you go, and cook until deeply browned and cooked through. This step infuses the oil with tons of flavor, making every bite taste like pure comfort. Once browned, remove the sausage and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Peppers and Onions
In the same skillet, toss in your sliced red and yellow bell peppers along with the red onion. Sauté these beauties for 4 to 5 minutes, letting them soften and get a little bit of char. This brings sweetness to balance the spice and makes the skillet smell amazing.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Herbs
Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, and (if you’re feeling bold) red pepper flakes. Sizzle for just a minute until the garlic is fragrant. These layers of flavor create the backbone of this Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta Recipe, making the sauce absolutely irresistible.
Step 5: Build the Sauce
Return the browned sausage to the skillet, and pour in the chicken broth. Use your spoon to gently scrape up all those caramelized bits from the bottom of the pan—they’re flavor gold. Next, add the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 6: Stir in Parmesan and Finish
Reduce the heat before sprinkling in the Parmesan cheese. Give everything a good stir until the cheese melts and the sauce takes on a creamy, dreamy texture. Taste and add salt and black pepper as needed. Toss your cooked pasta into the skillet, making sure every piece is coated in sauce. If things look a little too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Scoop the pasta into serving bowls and shower with fresh parsley for that final touch of color and brightness. Dive right in while it’s warm, creamy, and at its absolute best!
How to Serve Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Finish your pasta with a flourish of chopped fresh parsley, extra grated Parmesan, or even a pinch of chili flakes if you like a little more fire. A drizzle of good olive oil adds another silkiness—and don’t forget a grind of black pepper for that rustic finish. These little details elevate the Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta Recipe to restaurant-worthy status right at home.
Side Dishes
Since this dish is packed with flavor and creaminess, a simple green salad tossed with lemony vinaigrette makes a perfect pairing. Warm crusty bread for mopping up every last bit of sauce is a must, too. You can’t go wrong with roasted broccoli, sautéed spinach, or even garlic knots alongside your Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta Recipe for an epic Italian-American feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the pasta family-style in a big, shallow bowl—let everyone help themselves! You can carve out a “pasta nest” on each plate and sprinkle the center with extra parsley for a pop of color. Hosting a party? Portion the pasta into individual ramekins, top with a little extra Parmesan, and pop under the broiler for a golden finish before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta Recipe is a dream come true for next-day lunches! Store cooled pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, and it reheats beautifully, making those busy weeknights a little easier (and way tastier).
Freezing
For longer storage, pack cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers. While the creamy sauce may separate slightly after freezing, a good stir when reheating usually brings it right back together. Freeze for up to one month, then thaw in the fridge before gently reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place leftovers in a skillet over low-medium heat and add a splash of milk, cream, or reserved pasta water to revive the sauce’s creaminess. Stir gently until everything is hot and smooth. If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave portions in short bursts, stirring in between, to keep that lovely texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Any short pasta like rigatoni, fusilli, or even farfalle works beautifully in this Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta Recipe. Just choose shapes with nooks and crannies to hold onto that delectable sauce.
What kind of sausage should I use?
Go with your favorite Italian sausage—mild for a family-friendly twist or spicy if you love heat. Chicken or turkey sausage also works for a lighter version while keeping all the bold, savory flavor.
Can I make this Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta Recipe lighter?
Definitely! Simply swap in half-and-half for the heavy cream, and feel free to add more veggies like spinach or mushrooms. You’ll still get all that luscious flavor with a little less richness.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Easy! Just use your favorite gluten-free short pasta in place of regular penne and double-check that your sausage and broth are gluten-free as well. The Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta Recipe will be just as satisfying.
Can I prepare any part of this dish in advance?
Yes—the sausage, peppers, and onions can all be sautéed ahead of time and kept in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, simply warm them up, create your sauce, and toss with fresh pasta for super speedy assembly.
Final Thoughts
If you love a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s ready in under 40 minutes, this Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta Recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again. Gather your ingredients and give it a try soon—you might just find your new weeknight (or weekend) favorite!
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Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of this flavorful Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta recipe. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this dish combines savory Italian sausage with colorful bell peppers in a luscious cream sauce, all tossed with al dente penne pasta.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 oz penne pasta
Sausage and Peppers:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 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
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sear the Sausage: Brown the sausage in a skillet, breaking it up as it cooks. Set aside.
- Sauté Peppers and Onions: In the same skillet, sauté peppers, onion, garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
- Combine Ingredients: Return sausage to skillet, add chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan. Simmer until sauce is smooth.
- Toss and Serve: Add cooked pasta to the skillet, toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to use any short pasta variety if penne is unavailable.
- For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Enhance with spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
