If you love comforting, flavor-packed meals that come together in one pan, you are going to adore this Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta Recipe. Imagine tender pasta enveloped in a luscious, creamy sauce studded with savory Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, and vibrant spinach. It’s a beautiful harmony of textures and tastes that feels both indulgent and wholesome. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or craving something a little special, this dish always hits the spot with its rich creaminess balanced by fresh, colorful veggies and bold, comforting sausage.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta Recipe plays a starring role, bringing just the right flavor, texture, or color to the plate. They’re simple staples but combined create something truly irresistible.
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta (bucatini, penne, or rigatoni): Choose your favorite shape to soak up all that creamy sauce.
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed: Adds savory, meaty depth with a touch of spice if you like a bit of heat.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Perfect for sautéing vegetables and creating a flavorful base.
- ½ medium onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and a gentle bite to brighten the dish.
- 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped: Brings vibrant color and natural sweetness.
- 1 medium yellow bell pepper, chopped: Adds a cheerful hue and subtle fruitiness.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Gives the sauce richness and a silky finish.
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced: Provides aromatic punch and depth.
- 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce for that creamy texture.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The heart of the luscious, velvety sauce.
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds a hint of tanginess that brightens the cream.
- 2 cups packed fresh baby spinach: For freshness and a boost of leafy greens.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Seasoning to bring all flavors into perfect balance.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving): A nutty, salty finish to top off the dish if you want extra decadence.
How to Make Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package directions until it’s beautifully al dente. This means pleasantly firm to the bite so it can hold up to the creamy sauce without turning mushy. Once cooked, drain and set aside—save a splash of the pasta water for later; it’s liquid gold for smoothing the sauce.
Step 2: Brown Sausage and Sauté Vegetables
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and let it brown until irresistibly caramelized and cooked through. Remove it from the skillet and keep it warm. Next, add olive oil and sauté the chopped onions and bell peppers until they’re tender and have a touch of golden color. This step builds layers of flavor and softens the peppers’ natural sweetness.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Turn the heat down to medium and add butter to the skillet with garlic, cooking just until fragrant. Sprinkle the flour in and stir continuously for about a minute; this cooks out any raw flour taste and thickens the sauce later. Slowly pour in the heavy cream along with the Dijon mustard, whisking constantly until the sauce turns silky and smooth. This mixture is where the magic happens, transforming simple ingredients into a luxurious, creamy coating for the pasta.
Step 4: Combine Sausage, Spinach, and Pasta
Return the browned sausage to the skillet and toss in the fresh baby spinach, letting it wilt gently in the warm sauce. Add a splash of reserved hot pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed, then fold in the drained pasta. Toss everything together until the spinach is wilted and every piece of pasta is coated with that creamy, flavorful sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking.
Step 5: Serve It Up
Serve your Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta Recipe straight from the skillet while it’s warm and inviting. If you love, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra burst of savory goodness. This dish is ready in under 40 minutes and makes a perfect comfort meal any night of the week.
How to Serve Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the dish’s appeal with fresh garnishes like chopped basil or parsley. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can add a kick for spice lovers, while a drizzle of good-quality olive oil elevates the richness. Don’t underestimate how a touch of freshly grated Parmesan can transform every bite.
Side Dishes
This pasta stands strong as a main, but pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or toasted baguette slices are perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce, making the meal even more satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the pasta in rustic individual bowls for a cozy dinner vibe or plate it on a large platter garnished with colorful herbs for family-style sharing. For a creative twist, spoon the pasta into hollowed-out bell peppers before baking briefly to warm through, turning this meal into an eye-catching feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more after resting, making leftovers a delightful meal on day two.
Freezing
If you want to freeze portions, you can do so but note that pasta with cream sauce can sometimes change texture after freezing. For best results, freeze before combining with the spinach and sauce, and thaw gently before reheating while adding fresh cream or broth to refresh the sauce.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. A splash of milk, cream, or broth helps loosen the sauce back to its creamy glory. Avoid high heat which can cause the sauce to separate or the pasta to dry out.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a leaner option that still packs plenty of flavor and works wonderfully in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time as needed depending on the sausage’s thickness.
What pasta shape works best for this recipe?
Pasta shapes like bucatini, penne, or rigatoni hold onto creamy sauces really well thanks to their ridges and hollow centers, but feel free to use what you have. Just avoid very thin pastas which might get lost in the sauce.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can swap the heavy cream and butter for coconut milk or dairy-free cream alternatives, and use a plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast for topping. The flavor and texture will change slightly but still remain delicious and creamy.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Mushrooms, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes would be great additions. Just add them when you sauté the onions and bell peppers to soften properly.
How spicy is the final dish?
The spiciness depends mainly on the type of sausage you choose. Mild Italian sausage keeps it gentle, while spicy sausage brings a nice kick. You can always add crushed red pepper flakes to increase the heat to your preference.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta Recipe is not just another pasta dinner—it’s a warm hug in a bowl that combines bold flavors and comforting creaminess in every bite. It’s easy enough for busy weeknights, yet special enough to impress family and friends. Once you try it, this recipe is sure to become one of your favorite go-tos, guaranteed to satisfy cravings and create smiles around the table. So grab your skillet and get ready to make some magic happen!
Print
Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This creamy sausage and peppers pasta recipe features perfectly cooked pasta tossed with savory Italian sausage, sautéed bell peppers, and a luscious garlic cream sauce. Fresh spinach adds a vibrant touch, while Parmesan cheese optional for serving provides a delightful finish. A quick and satisfying stovetop meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta (such as bucatini, penne, or rigatoni)
Meat
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
Vegetables
- ½ medium onion, chopped
- 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 medium yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups packed fresh baby spinach
Dairy & Fats
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Pantry
- 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving some hot pasta water for later.
- Brown Sausage: While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion and red and yellow bell peppers until they are softened and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Make Sauce: Reduce heat to medium, add butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Add Cream and Mustard: Stir in the heavy cream and Dijon mustard until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked sausage and fresh spinach to the skillet. Toss everything to combine. Add a splash of the reserved hot pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. Add the cooked pasta and toss until the spinach wilts and pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the pasta immediately, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it may be less rich and creamy.
- For a spicier dish, use spicy Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes while sautéing.
- If you prefer, use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Reserving pasta water is key to adjusting the sauce consistency perfectly.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop.
