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Easy Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta Recipe Perfect for Quick Dinners

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A quick and satisfying pasta dish featuring spicy Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, and a silky cream sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)
  • 2 large bell peppers, thinly sliced (red and yellow mix recommended)
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (120 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 8 ounces pasta (penne or rigatoni recommended)
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (50 g)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients: Slice the bell peppers and onion thinly, mince the garlic, and remove the sausage from its casing if using links.
  2. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 9-11 minutes). Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water for the sauce if needed.
  3. Brown the sausage: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for about 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through with crispy edges. Remove sausage to a plate but leave the drippings in the pan.
  4. Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add sliced onions and bell peppers. Cook over medium heat for about 5-6 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, being careful not to burn it.
  5. Make the creamy sauce: Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Let it simmer for 2 minutes, then stir in 1 cup heavy cream. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Combine everything: Return the cooked sausage to the pan and stir to combine. Add the drained pasta and toss well to coat every piece in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
  7. Finish with cheese and seasoning: Stir in 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. Toss once more and remove from heat.
  8. Serve immediately: Plate the pasta while warm and creamy. Garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for even cooking and to prevent sauce breaking. Avoid overcooking peppers to maintain texture and color. Simmer cream gently on low heat to prevent curdling. Reserve pasta water to loosen sauce if needed. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: sausage pasta, creamy pasta, quick dinner, Italian sausage, bell peppers, easy pasta recipe, weeknight dinner

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