This creamy sweet pepper and sausage pasta is like a warm hug on a plate! Soft pasta pairs beautifully with tender sausage and colorful sweet peppers, all wrapped in a delicious, creamy sauce.
I can’t resist sneaking extra bites of this dish whenever I make it! It’s so satisfying and easy to whip up on a busy night. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this one in your recipe book! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Penne or rigatoni is perfect for this dish. If you’re looking for a whole grain option, you can use whole wheat pasta. Gluten-free pasta works too if you need that substitution.
Italian Sausage: I love using sweet or mild sausage for that balanced flavor. If you’re avoiding pork, try chicken or turkey sausage. Ground beef or even a plant-based sausage can be a great alternative!
Bell Peppers: Red and yellow peppers bring sweetness, but feel free to mix it up! Green peppers add a different taste, or for something unique, jalapeños can give a spicy kick without overpowering the dish.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, you can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative like coconut milk, which adds a slight sweetness!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best for flavor, but if you don’t have any, you can use Pecorino Romano or even a nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
How Do I Get My Sausage Cooked Just Right?
Cooking the sausage to perfection is key for great flavor. Here’s how to do it:
- Make sure to preheat your skillet with olive oil on medium heat.
- Add the sausage and break it up into smaller pieces with a spatula. This helps it cook evenly and brown nicely.
- Cook for about 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through. The sausage should be no longer pink in the center.
- Don’t forget to drain excess fat if needed, but keep some for flavor in the sauce!
These steps will ensure you have deliciously cooked sausage as part of your creamy sauce!
Creamy Sweet Pepper and Sausage Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or rigatoni work well)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or mild), casings removed
- 1 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 large yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take you about 30 minutes from start to finish! It requires about 10 minutes for prep and then roughly 20 minutes for cooking. It’s quick and perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the cooked pasta and set it aside.
2. Brown the Sausage:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and use a spoon to break it up into smaller pieces. Cook it for about 6-8 minutes, until it’s browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside, leaving any drippings in the skillet.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, toss in the sliced bell peppers and onion. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re softened and starting to get a little color. Then add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another minute until the garlic is fragrant.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet with the vegetables. Stir everything together, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly.
5. Add Cheese and Season:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and the sauce becomes creamy. Give it a taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Be generous as this will enhance all the flavors!
6. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and mix well with the sauce. Now add the drained pasta into the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is well coated in that delicious creamy sauce.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Transfer the pasta to plates or a serving bowl. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your creamy sweet pepper and sausage pasta warm and savor every bite!
FAQ
Can I Use Italian Turkey Sausage Instead?
Yes, Italian turkey sausage is a great alternative if you’re looking for a lighter option. It’ll still provide that delicious flavor and keep the dish satisfying!
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No worries! You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or even full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version. Just keep in mind that using coconut milk will add a subtle sweetness to the dish.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes. Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly so they become tender.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you like a bit of heat, you can increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes, or add sliced jalapeños or crushed chili peppers to the skillet along with the other vegetables!