If you’re craving something hearty, comforting, and bursting with flavor, this Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. Picture tender penne pasta enveloped in a luscious, dreamy cream sauce, studded with savory Italian sausage and vibrant bell peppers that add a perfect pop of color and sweetness. Every bite offers a wonderful balance of spice, creaminess, and fresh herbs that will quickly make this dish your go-to weeknight favorite. It’s a delightful Italian-American classic that brings warmth to the table and smiles all around.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the key to nailing this recipe. Each element plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and giving the Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta Recipe its irresistible charm and texture.
- 12 oz penne pasta: Perfectly holds the sauce in its tubes, making every bite flavorful.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness while sautéing the sausage and vegetables.
- 1 pound Italian sausage: Choose mild or spicy, casings removed, for savory, meaty goodness.
- 1 red bell pepper: Adds sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
- 1 yellow bell pepper: Brings a bright, tangy crunch.
- 1 small red onion: Provides a mild, slightly sweet bite that’s perfect when sautéed.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with a fragrant, classic Italian aroma.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Offers earthy, aromatic notes to elevate the flavor profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a delicate kick of heat that wakes up the palate.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Helps deglaze the pan and adds depth to the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the luscious, velvety texture that defines this pasta.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, lending a sharp, nutty complexity.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish: A bright, fresh finish that makes the dish pop visually and flavor-wise.
How to Make Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling salted water and cooking the penne pasta until just al dente. This ensures the pasta still has a bite so it won’t get mushy once tossed in the creamy sauce. Once cooked, drain it well and set it aside to keep warm.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through. Browning the sausage well is key because those browned bits add intense flavor to the sauce later. Remove the sausage from the pan and set it aside for now.
Step 3: Sauté the Peppers and Onion
Using the same skillet, toss in the sliced red and yellow bell peppers along with the thinly sliced red onion. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until they become tender yet still retain a little crunch. This step is vital, as the peppers infuse the dish with sweetness and the onions bring a delicate bite.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Seasonings
Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes if you want a subtle heat. Cook everything together for another minute to release those fragrant aromas. This brief burst of flavoring is what layers the dish with depth and an inviting aroma.
Step 5: Combine Sausage and Build the Sauce
Return the browned sausage to the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth and use a spoon to scrape up any delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. This deglazing step adds richness to the sauce that you won’t want to miss.
Step 6: Add Cream and Cheese
Slowly pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce. The sauce should become wonderfully creamy and cling to every pasta piece.
Step 7: Toss Pasta in the Sauce
Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss well so every noodle is generously coated with the savory cream sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste. This final touch ensures the flavors hit the perfect balance.
How to Serve Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten up your Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta Recipe with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley. The parsley introduces a fresh, herbaceous note that beautifully contrasts the richness and adds a lovely burst of green color making the dish visually inviting.
Side Dishes
This creamy, flavor-packed pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp, green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a warm, crusty loaf also work perfectly for scooping up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this dish in small, individual cast-iron skillets or mini casserole dishes. You can even finish it under the broiler with a sprinkle of mozzarella or extra Parmesan for a bubbly, golden top that takes this comforting meal to a whole new level.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers surprisingly tasty and convenient for a quick meal.
Freezing
This pasta dish freezes well if you want to prep ahead. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. It’s best to undercook the pasta slightly before freezing to avoid it becoming mushy when reheated.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce as it warms. This method helps preserve the creamy texture and ensures the sausage and peppers stay flavorful and tender.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage can be a leaner alternative and still delivers great flavor, especially when seasoned well. Just choose your favorite variety mild or spicy depending on your preference.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes! You can substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage or add hearty vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini for a satisfying vegetarian twist that still captures the spirit of the dish.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Definitely. While penne works perfectly here, rigatoni, fusilli, or even farfalle would be great choices since they all hold onto the creamy sauce nicely.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat level is adjustable! The red pepper flakes are optional, so you can omit them for a milder dish or add more if you love extra spice.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, use coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative, and skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese substitute. The flavor will be different but still delicious and creamy.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite comfort foods to toss together. It feels indulgent but comes together surprisingly easily, perfect for those nights when you want something satisfying without a fuss. Give it a try and watch how the creamy sauce, savory sausage, and sweet peppers come together for a meal that’s truly memorable.
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Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta is a comforting Italian-American dish featuring tender penne pasta tossed in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce with sautéed Italian sausage, colorful bell peppers, and onions. It’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that combines bold flavors and a luscious texture.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz penne pasta
Sausage and Vegetables
- 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
Seasonings and Sauce
- 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
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked through. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside, leaving any rendered fat in the skillet.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers along with the thinly sliced red onion. Sauté the vegetables for 4 to 5 minutes until they become tender and slightly softened.
- Add Aromatics and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring constantly to release the flavors.
- Combine Sausage and Liquids: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom for extra flavor. Then add the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Incorporate Cheese: Lower the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce, creating a creamy texture.
- Toss Pasta: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sausage and pepper sauce.
- Season and Serve: Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Garnish the dish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Substitute penne with any short pasta such as rigatoni or fusilli if preferred.
- For a lighter creamy sauce, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- To add more vegetables, consider including fresh spinach or sautéed mushrooms.
