If you are searching for a hearty meal that combines bold flavors with luscious comfort, this Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. It perfectly balances spicy Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, and tender pasta all enveloped in a dreamy, velvety cream sauce. Every bite brings warmth and satisfaction, making it an ideal dish for cozy weeknights or whenever you crave something special but straightforward to prepare.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet crucial for building layers of taste, texture, and vibrant color in this dish. Each component plays its part, from the spicy sausage that adds richness, to the fresh spinach that lightens things up.
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta (bucatini, penne, or rigatoni): Choose your favorite shape to soak up the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed: The flavorful protein that gives the dish its signature warmth.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to sauté vegetables and bring out their natural sweetness.
- ½ medium onion, chopped: Adds a mild sweetness and crucial aromatic base.
- 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped: Offers vibrant color and subtle sweetness.
- 1 medium yellow bell pepper, chopped: Compliments the red pepper with bright, sunny notes.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Helps build the creamy sauce and enriches flavor.
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced: A punch of fragrant aromatics that elevate the dish.
- 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to a luscious consistency.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The creaminess that ties everything together into a decadent sauce.
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds subtle tang and depth to the sauce.
- 2 cups packed fresh baby spinach: Introduces freshness and a pop of green.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasoning to balance all flavors.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving): Sprinkle atop to add a nutty, salty finish.
How to Make Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cooking the pasta until it’s perfectly al dente. This is key because you want your pasta to hold its shape and have just enough bite to complement the creamy sauce. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Brown Sausage and Sauté Vegetables
Next, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the Italian sausage, breaking it up as it cooks to ensure even cooking and little bite-sized pieces of sausage throughout. Once browned, remove the sausage and set it aside. In the same skillet, add olive oil and gently sauté the onion and both red and yellow bell peppers until they soften and take on a lovely golden hue. This step creates a sweet, tender bed to build your sauce on.
Step 3: Make Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and add butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the garlic is fragrant but not browned, which usually takes about a minute. Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly to cook out the raw flavor. Then slowly stir in the heavy cream and Dijon mustard, blending until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. This sauce is the creamy heart of the Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta Recipe, perfectly marrying richness with a touch of tang.
Step 4: Combine and Finish
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet along with fresh baby spinach. Toss everything together, allowing the spinach to wilt gently. To help the sauce cling to the pasta, add a splash of hot pasta water before draining your noodles and adding them directly to the skillet. Toss everything thoroughly so the silky sauce coats every strand and piece beautifully. Finish by seasoning with salt and pepper to your taste.
How to Serve Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta adds a salty, nutty layer that complements the creamy sauce flawlessly. For an extra pop of freshness, finely chopped parsley or basil works wonders too, giving both color and zest.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads or roasted vegetables, which provide a refreshing contrast to the richness. A side of garlic bread or warm focaccia also makes for an irresistible accompaniment, perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta Recipe in rustic bowls topped with vibrant herbs and Parmesan shavings for a casual, homey vibe. Alternatively, plate it elegantly with a twist of freshly ground pepper and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil to impress your guests with a restaurant-style presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. The pasta will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, making it easy to enjoy a quick, satisfying meal later.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of this pasta, but keep in mind that pasta texture may soften slightly upon thawing. For best results, freeze the sausage and pepper mixture separately from the pasta, then combine and reheat gently.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce’s creamy texture. Stir often to prevent sticking and ensure even warming throughout.
FAQs
Can I use turkey or chicken sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey or chicken sausage can be a lighter alternative and will still provide great flavor. Just make sure to select a pre-seasoned variety or add additional spices to maintain that rich, savory taste.
What pasta shape works best for this recipe?
Pasta with tubes or hollow centers like penne, rigatoni, or bucatini are ideal because they trap the creamy sauce inside, giving you a delicious bite every time.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the sausage with plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms and add extra vegetables for a delightful vegetarian version without sacrificing flavor.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for a dinner party?
You can prep the sausage and pepper mixture and sauce in advance, then cook the pasta fresh when ready to serve. This helps maintain the pasta’s perfect texture and speeds up serving time.
How spicy is this dish?
The spice level depends on whether you use mild or spicy Italian sausage. Opt for mild if you prefer a gentler heat, or spicy for a dish with more kick. You can also add crushed red pepper flakes if you want to adjust the heat.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta Recipe is one of those comforting dishes that feels special without being complicated. Its harmonious blend of flavors and textures will quickly become a favorite in your cooking rotation. I hope you give it a try soon and enjoy every rich, creamy bite as much as I do!
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Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta is a hearty and flavorful dish featuring tender pasta tossed in a rich and creamy sauce made with Italian sausage, sautéed bell peppers, and fresh spinach. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, it combines the boldness of spicy or mild sausage with a velvety sauce enhanced by garlic, Dijon mustard, and Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta (such as bucatini, penne, or rigatoni)
Sausage and Vegetables
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ medium onion, chopped
- 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 medium yellow bell pepper, chopped
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 cups packed fresh baby spinach
- Salt and pepper, to taste
To Serve
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Brown Sausage: While the 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, then add the chopped onion, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper. Cook over medium-high heat until the vegetables are softened and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Make Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Sprinkle in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute to create a roux. Gradually stir in the heavy cream and Dijon mustard, mixing until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked sausage and fresh spinach to the skillet. Toss to combine. Add a splash of the hot pasta water to loosen the sauce, then add the drained pasta. Toss everything together until the spinach has wilted and the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Season and Serve: Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- You can use mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on your heat preference.
- Any medium-sized pasta like penne, rigatoni, or bucatini works well with this recipe.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat if you like.
- Using a splash of pasta water helps to thin and bind the sauce to the pasta perfectly.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
