Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta

Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta is a comforting, flavor-packed dish that brings together tender pasta, juicy Italian sausage, and sautéed bell peppers in a rich, garlicky cream sauce. This one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners with friends and family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Satisfying: Loaded with protein, veggies, and carbs for a complete meal.
• Creamy and Flavorful: A rich sauce made with cream and parmesan ties all the ingredients together.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this dish beginner-friendly.
• Customizable: Use your favorite sausage and peppers, or adjust spice levels to taste.
• Great Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day and reheats well.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape)
• Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
• Olive oil
• Bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), sliced
• Onion, sliced
• Garlic, minced
• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth or reserved pasta water
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
2. Cook Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and cooked through, breaking it into crumbles. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté Veggies: In the same skillet, add a little olive oil and sauté the bell peppers and onions until softened. Add garlic and cook for another 12 minutes.
4. Make the Sauce: Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth or pasta water. Stir in parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes. Let it simmer until slightly thickened.
5. Combine Everything: Return the sausage to the pan, add the cooked pasta, and toss everything together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and additional parmesan if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Use Different Sausage: Try chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even a plant-based version.
• Make It Spicier: Use hot Italian sausage or add more chili flakes.
• Add Greens: Stir in spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Tomato Cream Version: Add a few tablespoons of tomato paste or diced tomatoes to the sauce.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in individual portions for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or water, or microwave until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use milk instead of cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. You can thicken it with a bit of flour or cornstarch if needed.

What pasta works best?

Short shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli hold the sauce well.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, it reheats well and is great for meal prep.

Is this dish spicy?

It depends on the sausage and whether you use chili flakes—adjust to your preference.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

How do I make it lighter?

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and lean sausage or turkey sausage.

Can I add cheese on top?

Absolutely—mozzarella or provolone melts beautifully over this dish.

How do I prevent the sauce from separating?

Don’t boil the cream; simmer gently and stir regularly.

What sides go well with this?

A green salad and crusty bread pair perfectly.

Can I substitute the sausage with ground meat?

Yes, ground chicken, turkey, or beef work well—just season generously.

Conclusion

Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta is the ultimate comfort food—rich, flavorful, and easy to make. With its simple ingredients and satisfying texture, it’s sure to become a favorite in your weekly dinner rotation. Serve it fresh, enjoy the leftovers, and savor every creamy, cheesy, savory bite.

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