If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen but comes together in just half an hour, the Sausage and Pea Pasta Recipe is about to become your new favorite. This dish is a comforting bowl of happiness, combining savory Italian sausage, tender pasta, sweet green peas, and a luxuriously creamy sauce finished with a sprinkling of Parmesan. With its satisfying textures and flavors—and minimal effort required—this recipe turns a few simple ingredients into something truly special. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, it’s the ultimate pasta pick-me-up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Sausage and Pea Pasta Recipe is that each ingredient has a starring role, and you likely already have most of them on hand. These simple, wholesome ingredients mingle together to create an irresistible balance of flavors, colors, and textures with every bite.
- Pasta: Choose penne, rigatoni, or fusilli for their ability to capture all that creamy sauce in every nook and cranny.
- Olive Oil: Just a tablespoon brings out the sausage’s flavor and keeps everything from sticking to the pan.
- Italian Sausage: Go with your favorite; mild or spicy both work, and removing the casings makes it easy to crumble and brown.
- Small Onion: Chopped onion gives the sauce a mellow sweetness and depth.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic is essential for its aromatic, savory notes.
- Frozen Peas: Thawed peas add lovely pops of color and gentle sweetness, balancing the richness of the cream and sausage.
- Heavy Cream: Creates that luscious, silky sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best for melting smoothly and providing a salty, nutty finish.
- Italian Seasoning: Just half a teaspoon blends herbs like oregano and basil for flavor complexity.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Season to taste to bring out every flavor in the dish.
- Fresh Parsley or Basil (optional): A sprinkle of fresh herbs at the end brightens everything up and adds a lovely finishing touch.
How to Make Sausage and Pea Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add your choice of pasta. Cook until perfectly al dente, according to the package instructions. Don’t forget to reserve half a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining; it’s a secret weapon for bringing the sauce together at the end. Set the drained pasta aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up into small crumbles with your spoon or spatula. Cook until all the pieces are golden brown and cooked through, letting those flavorful browned bits build up for extra depth in your sauce.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic right into the sausage, allowing them to sauté for about 2 to 3 minutes. The onion becomes soft and sweet, while the garlic’s aroma fills your kitchen with an irresistible, mouthwatering scent.
Step 4: Add Peas and Create the Creamy Sauce
Stir in the thawed peas and cook for another 2 minutes so they’re heated through and still vibrantly green. Turn the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, shredded Parmesan, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. Give everything a gentle mix, letting the sauce thicken slightly and meld those flavors together—it should look glossy and incredibly inviting.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Return the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together so the pasta gets coated in the creamy, cheesy sauce. Splash in a bit of that reserved pasta water to loosen things up if needed, and season liberally with salt and black pepper. Give everything a good toss; you want every bite to have sausage, peas, and velvety sauce clinging to the pasta.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Plate your Sausage and Pea Pasta Recipe while it’s still steaming hot. Top with a dusting of extra Parmesan and a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and herby freshness. Get ready for comfort food bliss!
How to Serve Sausage and Pea Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A final flourish can make the Sausage and Pea Pasta Recipe go from “delicious” to “wow, what’s your secret?” Sprinkle fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color, an extra handful of Parmesan for more cheesy goodness, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes if you love a little heat. These final touches make every plate special.
Side Dishes
This creamy pasta pairs beautifully with crisp green salads tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or warm, garlicky bread fresh from the oven. A simple side of roasted vegetables or a colorful caprese salad brings even more Italian charm to the meal and rounds out your dinner with plenty of texture and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, try serving the Sausage and Pea Pasta Recipe family-style in a large, shallow bowl so everyone can dig in. Or, portion it into individual oven-safe ramekins, sprinkle more cheese on top, and quickly broil until golden and bubbly. For weeknight flair, top each bowl with a swirl of pesto or serve alongside a slice of crusty bread that’s perfect for scooping up any extra sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers of your Sausage and Pea Pasta Recipe? Pop them into an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors become even cozier overnight, making it a delicious grab-and-go lunch or quick dinner.
Freezing
You can freeze the Sausage and Pea Pasta Recipe for up to two months, though the creamy sauce may separate a bit upon thawing. For best results, let it cool completely, then freeze in individual portions. When ready to enjoy again, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of milk or a bit of reserved pasta water to help the sauce regain its creamy texture. Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave in short bursts, stirring often to prevent the pasta from drying out. Top with a little extra cheese for good measure.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, and fusilli are all great choices for the Sausage and Pea Pasta Recipe, but you can use any short pasta that will hold the sauce. Even spaghetti or fettuccine will work in a pinch.
Is it possible to make this recipe lighter?
Yes, you can swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or even whole milk for a lighter sauce. Turkey sausage is also a tasty, leaner choice without sacrificing flavor.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Of course! Simply substitute the Italian sausage with your favorite plant-based alternative or with sautéed mushrooms for a meaty texture and equally rich taste.
How can I make the dish spicier?
To amp up the heat, use spicy Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the onions and garlic. You can adjust the level of spice to fit your preference.
What can I do if my sauce gets too thick?
Just splash in a bit more reserved pasta water or a touch of milk while tossing the final pasta and sauce together. This keeps everything loose, silky, and incredibly creamy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something quick, hearty, and absolutely scrumptious, give the Sausage and Pea Pasta Recipe a try. It’s a dish that’s guaranteed to please everyone at the table—and just might become your weeknight wonder, too!
Print
Sausage and Pea Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a creamy and comforting meal with this Sausage and Pea Pasta recipe. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this Italian-American dish is packed with savory flavors and simple to make.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 ounces pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup frozen peas (thawed)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
- Sauté: Brown sausage in olive oil, add onion and garlic, cook until softened. Add peas and cook briefly.
- Make the sauce: Stir in cream, Parmesan, and seasoning. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Combine: Toss in cooked pasta, adding reserved water if needed. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley or basil and enjoy!
Notes
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half or turkey sausage.
- Add red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Pair with a green salad or garlic bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
