Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta

Imagine twirling your fork through a luscious, silky sauce coating perfectly al dente pasta, studded with savory Italian sausage and sweet bell peppers. This Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta is comfort food elevated to gourmet status without the fuss. The rich creaminess paired with the spicy kick from the sausage creates an irresistible combination that will make this dish a regular in your dinner rotation. You’ll learn how to create a restaurant-quality pasta dish that comes together in just one pan and under 30 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta hits all the right notes for a memorable meal. The tender pasta absorbs the flavors of the creamy sauce while the sausage provides a satisfying meaty texture against the gentle crunch of colorful bell peppers. It’s the perfect balance of richness and freshness.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Using just one pan means less cleanup, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you crave something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The creamy sauce comes together without any complicated techniques, yet tastes like something from your favorite Italian restaurant.

This sausage pasta recipe is versatile enough to please picky eaters but sophisticated enough to serve to guests. The vibrant colors from the peppers make it as visually appealing as it is delicious. Plus, you can easily adjust the spice level by choosing mild or hot Italian sausage according to your preference.

Ingredients

For this Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta, you’ll need:

• 1 lb (450g) penne pasta (or pasta of your choice)
• 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

The key to this dish is using high-quality Italian sausage, which provides rich flavor and eliminates the need for extensive seasoning. Fresh bell peppers add sweetness and texture, while the combination of heavy cream and Parmesan creates a silky sauce that perfectly coats every bite.

Pro Tips

Choose the right pasta shape: For this Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta, tube-shaped pastas like penne, rigatoni, or ziti work best as they capture the creamy sauce inside their hollow centers. Cook the pasta just until al dente (about 1-2 minutes less than package directions) as it will continue cooking slightly when added to the sauce.

Perfect sausage browning: Brown the sausage thoroughly, breaking it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. This creates more surface area for caramelization, which develops deeper flavor. Don’t rush this step – those browned bits at the bottom of the pan are culinary gold that will flavor your entire sauce.

Create a silky sauce: To prevent the cream sauce from separating, lower the heat before adding the cream and avoid boiling the sauce once the cream is added. When incorporating the Parmesan, remove the pan from heat completely and stir gradually. This ensures a smooth, velvety texture rather than a grainy one.

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than recommended cooking time. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Brown for 5-7 minutes until no longer pink and slightly crispy on the edges.

Step 3: Add the sliced onions to the sausage and cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften. Then add the bell peppers and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the peppers are slightly tender but still have some bite.

Step 4: Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. The aroma will tell you when it’s ready!

Step 5: Reduce heat to medium-low and pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.

Step 6: Pour in the heavy cream and stir well to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 7: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 8: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated. The residual heat will melt the cheese while preventing the sauce from breaking.

Step 9: Serve your Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs. A twist of black pepper on top adds the perfect finishing touch!

Variations

Spicy Cajun Version: Transform this Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta into a Cajun-inspired dish by substituting Andouille sausage for Italian sausage. Add 1-2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning to the sauce and throw in some diced tomatoes for extra flavor and texture. A squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens everything up perfectly.

Lighter Option: For a lighter version of this sausage and pepper pasta, use turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork. Replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or a combination of milk and cream cheese. You’ll still get a creamy texture but with fewer calories. Increase the proportion of peppers for extra vegetables and nutrition.

Vegetarian Adaptation: Create a delicious vegetarian version by replacing the sausage with plant-based sausage alternatives or use mushrooms (particularly portobello) for their meaty texture. Sauté the mushrooms until they release their moisture and begin to brown for maximum flavor. The creamy pepper pasta will still be satisfying without the meat.

Storage and Serving

This Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to revitalize the sauce, as it tends to thicken when stored. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat for best results.

For freezing, the pasta may change slightly in texture, but the flavor remains excellent. Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serve this creamy pasta dish with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil to cut through the richness. Garlic bread makes an excellent accompaniment to soak up every last bit of the delicious sauce. For a complete Italian-inspired meal, start with a small appetizer of marinated olives or bruschetta and finish with a light dessert like fresh berries and whipped cream.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While tube pasta like penne works wonderfully because it catches the sauce, you can use any pasta shape you prefer. Fettuccine, linguine, or even spaghetti work well. Just be sure to cook it al dente since it will continue to soften in the sauce.

How can I make this recipe less spicy?
Use mild Italian sausage instead of hot and omit the red pepper flakes. You’ll still get all the wonderful flavors without the heat. You can always offer red pepper flakes at the table for those who want to add some spice.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, but pasta dishes are generally best served fresh. If needed, you can prepare the sausage and pepper mixture ahead of time and refrigerate. Cook the pasta and add the cream and cheese just before serving. This gives you the best texture and flavor.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?
For a lighter option, use half-and-half or a combination of milk and 2 tablespoons of cream cheese. The sauce won’t be quite as rich but will still be delicious. For a dairy-free version, full-fat coconut milk can work well with the sausage and pepper flavors.

How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
This recipe is very adaptable! Consider adding spinach in the last minute of cooking, or mushrooms along with the peppers. Diced zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or even broccoli florets can be included. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure vegetables are tender but not overcooked.

Conclusion

This Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta is comfort food at its finest — a perfect marriage of spicy sausage, sweet peppers, and silky cream sauce that will satisfy your deepest pasta cravings. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with anticipation and leaves them asking for seconds. Simple enough for weeknights but special enough for company, this versatile pasta recipe deserves a permanent spot in your cooking repertoire. Make it once, and you’ll understand why this combination of flavors has become a classic that home cooks return to again and again.

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