If you’re searching for a dinner that’s bursting with comforting flavors, vibrant colors, and hearty ingredients, Sweet Pepper and Sausage Pasta is about to become your new weeknight hero. This irresistible combination of tender pasta, browned Italian sausage, and a medley of sweet bell peppers comes together in a luscious, creamy sauce that’s both simple and a total crowd pleaser. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with the best aromas and lands on the table looking as joyful as it tastes. Whether you’re feeding family or friends (or just want fantastic leftovers for tomorrow), Sweet Pepper and Sausage Pasta never disappoints.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Sweet Pepper and Sausage Pasta so inviting is how each ingredient brings its own unique flair. The list is refreshingly straightforward, yet every component earns its spot – from the richness of sausage, the sweet pop of peppers, to the creamy finish of Parmesan. Here’s everything you need and why you’ll love it.
- Pasta (12 ounces penne or rigatoni): Choose a sturdy pasta shape that clings to the sauce for every delicious bite.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): A quick sauté in olive oil builds those beautiful savory flavors right from the start.
- Italian sausage (1 pound, casings removed): This is the heart of the dish, delivering spice, richness, and big flavor. Use mild or hot depending on your mood.
- Yellow onion (1 small, diced): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth that balances the sauce.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Nothing beats the aromatic punch of fresh garlic sizzling in the pan.
- Sweet bell peppers (3, any color, thinly sliced): The star veggie! Go for a mix of red, yellow, and orange for extra color and juicy sweetness.
- Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Just a touch if you love a gentle heat that lingers in the background.
- Dried Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): A sprinkle ties all the classic flavors together with ease.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Let your taste buds guide you here – a pinch makes all the difference.
- Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Adds savory depth and helps deglaze the pan for a flavor-packed sauce.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Creates a luscious, silky sauce you’ll want to scoop up with every forkful.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Melts into the sauce for amazing nutty and salty notes that tie everything together.
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): Finishes the dish with fresh color and a little herbal brightness.
How to Make Sweet Pepper and Sausage Pasta
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then cook your pasta according to the package instructions until just al dente. This timing means the pasta has a little bite left – perfect for soaking up that creamy sauce later. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside while you turn your attention to the main event.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
While your pasta bubbles away, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage (casings removed if needed) and break it up into small, bite-sized pieces as it cooks. Let it sizzle and brown for about 6 to 8 minutes, developing those rich, caramelized bits that give serious flavor to your Sweet Pepper and Sausage Pasta.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Once your sausage looks perfectly golden, toss in the diced onion and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. When the onion softens and turns fragrant, add the minced garlic. Stir just until you can smell that irresistible garlicky aroma wafting through your kitchen – it only needs about 30 seconds.
Step 4: Cook the Peppers and Seasonings
Add the sliced sweet bell peppers right into the skillet, along with red pepper flakes (if you’re using them), dried Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Let everything cook together for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring often. The peppers should soften and turn glossy, releasing their natural sweetness and beautiful colors.
Step 5: Deglaze with Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for about 2 minutes. Make sure to scrape up any golden bits from the bottom of the pan – these are tiny flavor bombs that give your Sweet Pepper and Sausage Pasta its depth and heartiness.
Step 6: Add Cream and Cheese
Reduce the heat a little, then slowly stir in the heavy cream and the grated Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce gently simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes, so it thickens slightly and everything becomes silky and well-blended. The kitchen will smell absolutely dreamy at this point!
Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Finally, add your cooked pasta back into the skillet, tossing and stirring so every piece gets deliciously coated. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or a sprinkle more cheese if you like. And just like that, Sweet Pepper and Sausage Pasta is ready to shine.
How to Serve Sweet Pepper and Sausage Pasta
Garnishes
A final flourish of chopped fresh parsley brings brightness and a pop of color to this dish. For extra indulgence, scatter on more grated Parmesan or even a little lemon zest for a subtly fresh finish to your Sweet Pepper and Sausage Pasta.
Side Dishes
Keep things rustic with a crisp Caesar or arugula salad on the side, or serve crusty garlic bread to soak up every last drop of creamy sauce. Roasted asparagus or a simple steamed green bean medley are also excellent partners.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling fancy or serving a crowd, pile your Sweet Pepper and Sausage Pasta into a large family-style platter with extra peppers fanned over the top. Or try ladling it into individual bowls and letting guests garnish with their own favorite toppings – extra cheese, fresh herbs, or a sprinkle of hot chili flakes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your Sweet Pepper and Sausage Pasta cool to room temperature before transferring it into an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it a perfect make-ahead meal or work lunch.
Freezing
You can freeze this pasta if you like, though the cream sauce may separate a touch upon thawing. To freeze, portion it into airtight containers, let it cool completely, and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat Sweet Pepper and Sausage Pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce seems too thick. You can also microwave smaller portions, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
FAQs
Can I make Sweet Pepper and Sausage Pasta with chicken sausage?
Absolutely! Chicken sausage works beautifully in this recipe and brings a lighter, slightly different flavor. Just make sure to remove the casings and brown it well for the best taste and texture.
What other vegetables can I add?
This recipe is super adaptable. Toss in a handful of spinach or kale at the end, or try mushrooms, zucchini, or baby tomatoes for extra color and nutrition. The sauce welcomes all sorts of veggies.
Is this recipe gluten free?
It can be! Just swap your usual pasta for your favorite gluten-free version. Everything else in Sweet Pepper and Sausage Pasta is naturally gluten free.
How do I make it spicier?
For an extra kick, use hot Italian sausage and bump up the red pepper flakes. You can also add a dash of cayenne or serve with a bottle of chili oil for everyone to customize their own heat.
Can I make Sweet Pepper and Sausage Pasta ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the pasta and sauce ahead of time and keep it in the fridge. For best texture, you might prefer cooking the pasta just before serving or reheating with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so inviting about a bowl of Sweet Pepper and Sausage Pasta – it’s colorful, creamy, and downright comforting in all the right ways. I hope this dish makes its way into your cherished meal rotation, bringing you as much delight as it brings to my table. Give it a try for your next dinner and watch it become a new favorite!
Print
Sweet Pepper and Sausage Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and flavorful pasta dish featuring sweet bell peppers and savory Italian sausage in a creamy sauce, perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or rigatoni)
Other Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 sweet bell peppers (any color, thinly sliced)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil water, cook pasta, drain, and set aside.
- Cook Sausage: Brown sausage in olive oil until cooked through.
- Add Aromatics: Add onion, garlic, and spices; cook until fragrant.
- Cook Peppers: Add sweet peppers, cook until tender.
- Create Sauce: Pour in broth, cream, and cheese; simmer until thickened.
- Combine: Toss cooked pasta in the sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Use mild or hot sausage based on preference.
- Add spinach for extra greens.
- Gluten-free pasta works well in this recipe.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
