Hearty Sausage And Peppers Pasta Recipe

Irresistible Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta Recipe for Dinner

Tantalizing aromas of sizzling sausage and sweet peppers weave through this irresistible creamy sausage and peppers pasta that promises pure comfort on a plate.

Bold Italian flavors burst with every forkful of this weeknight wonder.

Hearty chunks of spicy sausage mingle perfectly with colorful bell peppers, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.

Silky sauce coats each pasta strand, adding luxurious depth to every bite.

The recipe comes together faster than you might expect, delivering restaurant-quality deliciousness right in your kitchen.

Hungry diners will find themselves reaching for seconds before the first plate is even finished.

Grab your skillet and get ready to savor a meal that turns an ordinary evening into a culinary celebration.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 570 kcal

Servings: 5

Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta Ingredient List

For Pasta Base:
  • Pasta: Serves as the hearty foundation of the dish, choose penne or rigatoni for optimal sauce-holding capability.
  • Pasta Water: Starchy liquid that helps bind sauce and pasta together, enhancing overall creaminess.
For Protein and Vegetables:
  • Italian Sausage, Spinach: Sausage provides rich, savory flavor while spinach adds nutritional depth and vibrant color.
  • Onion, Bell Peppers: Create a aromatic base with sweet undertones and textural complexity.
For Sauce and Seasoning:
  • Heavy Cream, Butter, Flour: Key components for creating a luxuriously smooth and velvety sauce.
  • Dijon Mustard: Adds tangy depth and helps emulsify the sauce for a silky texture.
  • Garlic: Infuses robust, aromatic flavor throughout the dish.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall taste profile.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Provides a salty, nutty finish and classic Italian character.
  • Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking and adds subtle fruity undertones.

Equipment to Cook Creamy Sausage and Pepper Pasta

  • Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta perfectly and creating enough space for water.
  • Skillet: Crucial for browning sausage and creating the delicious sauce with vegetables.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Needed for stirring and breaking up sausage during cooking.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Help ensure accurate ingredient quantities for the recipe.
  • Paper Towel-Lined Plate: Useful for draining excess fat from cooked sausage.
  • Colander: Necessary for draining pasta after cooking.
  • Cutting Board: Required for chopping onions and bell peppers.
  • Sharp Knife: Helps in preparing vegetables for the dish.

Instructions for a Creamy Sausage Pasta Dish

  • Pasta Preparation

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook pasta until tender.

  • Sausage Browning

Cook sausage in a skillet, breaking it into small pieces until fully browned.

  • Vegetable Sauté

Sauté onions and bell peppers in the same skillet until softened and slightly caramelized.

  • Creamy Sauce Base

Add butter and garlic, then sprinkle flour to create a smooth roux, stirring constantly.

  • Sauce Development

Pour cream and Dijon mustard into the skillet, whisking until sauce becomes thick and silky.

  • Protein and Greens Integration

Return sausage to the skillet and fold in fresh spinach until it wilts completely.

  • Pasta Finishing

Mix cooked pasta into the skillet, using a splash of pasta water to help blend flavors and create a luxurious coating.

  • Serving

Plate the pasta, seasoning with salt and pepper, then top with freshly grated parmesan cheese for a delightful finish.

Helpful Tips for Creamy Sausage Pasta Lovers

  • Personalize this creamy sausage and peppers pasta with these delightful tips and variations.
  • Replace Italian sausage with chicken sausage, ground turkey, or plant-based sausage for a unique flavor profile and dietary preference.
  • Toss in extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or kale to increase nutrition and add more texture to the dish.
  • Sprinkle red pepper flakes, add a dash of smoked paprika, or include hot sauce for those craving an extra kick of heat.
  • Experiment with different cheese options like sharp cheddar, creamy goat cheese, or smoky provolone instead of parmesan for a flavor twist.

Serving Up Sausage and Peppers Pasta

  • Pair with Fresh Salad: Complement the rich, creamy pasta with a crisp green salad topped with a light vinaigrette to balance the dish's heaviness.
  • Family-Style Dinner Presentation: Serve directly from the skillet for a rustic, inviting meal that encourages sharing and creates a warm, communal dining experience.
  • Wine Pairing Suggestion: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Zinfandel to enhance the robust flavors of the sausage and creamy sauce.
  • Leftover Lunch Transformation: Enjoy cold or gently reheated the next day, making an excellent packed lunch option for work or school.

Storage Instructions for Sausage Pasta Meals

  • Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. The creamy sauce might thicken when chilled, so gently reheat with a splash of milk or pasta water.
  • Freeze for Later: Pack individual portions in freezer-safe containers. The pasta will keep well for about 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Smart Prep Technique: Chop vegetables and cook sausage in advance to reduce cooking time on busy weeknights. Store prepped ingredients separately in sealed containers.
  • Revive Leftovers Perfectly: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sauce separation and maintain creamy texture.
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Hearty Sausage And Peppers Pasta Recipe

Hearty Sausage And Peppers Pasta Recipe


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4.9 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Hearty skillet sausage and peppers pasta delivers robust Italian-inspired comfort. Rich flavors blend seamlessly, inviting you to savor each delectable bite of this satisfying Mediterranean-style meal.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 g) Italian sausage
  • 8 oz (226 g) uncooked pasta (bucatini recommended)
  • ½ medium onion, chopped
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 medium yellow bell pepper, chopped
  • 23 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp flour
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy/whipping cream
  • ½ tsp Dijon mustard
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • Freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional, to garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pasta Preparation: Bring a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil and cook pasta until perfectly al dente according to package directions.
  2. Sausage Browning: In a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, thoroughly brown sausage, methodically breaking it into fine crumbles. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
  3. Vegetable Sautéing: Using the same skillet, sauté onions and bell peppers in olive oil until onions turn golden and peppers soften, creating a fragrant base for the sauce.
  4. Sauce Foundation: Reduce heat and melt butter with garlic, then sprinkle flour, stirring continuously to create a smooth roux without any lumps.
  5. Sauce Development: Pour in cream and Dijon mustard, whisking consistently to produce a silky, rich sauce that thickens within a minute.
  6. Final Incorporation: Return sausage to the skillet, add spinach, and stir until leaves wilt completely. Reserve a small amount of pasta water before draining the pasta.
  7. Finishing Touch: Add pasta to the skillet, tossing vigorously to ensure every strand is luxuriously coated with the creamy mixture. Season with salt and black pepper, then top with freshly grated parmesan cheese before serving immediately.

Notes

  • Pasta Water Power: Reserve some starchy pasta water before draining to help create a silky, smooth sauce that perfectly clings to noodles.
  • Sausage Sizzle Technique: Brown sausage thoroughly and drain excess fat to ensure a crispy texture and prevent greasy sauce.
  • Garlic Guard: Add garlic after onions and peppers to prevent burning, which can create a bitter taste and ruin the sauce’s delicate flavor profile.
  • Cheese Finishing Touch: Freshly grated parmesan melts better and provides a more intense flavor compared to pre-packaged grated cheese.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 570
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 850 mg
  • Fat: 36 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 43 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 21 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Mia Reynolds

Mia Reynolds

Food Writer & Home Cooking Specialist

Expertise

Easy Home Baking, Recipe Writing and Storytelling, Local and Seasonal Ingredients, Baking for Beginners

Education

New England Culinary Institute (NECI), Montpelier, Vermont

  • Certificate: Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on baking skills, pastry basics, and creating delicious, approachable baked goods.

Community College of Vermont, Winooski, Vermont

  • Degree: Certificate in Food and Beverage Management
  • Focus: Essential knowledge of recipe development, ingredient sourcing, and food business basics.

Mia Reynolds fell in love with baking as a teenager experimenting in her family kitchen. Her passion took her to New England Culinary Institute, where she learned practical pastry techniques, and later to Community College of Vermont to deepen her understanding of food management.

Mia combines clear, simple baking instructions with heartwarming stories, making home baking approachable for everyone.

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