This Sweet Pepper and Sausage Pasta is the perfect combination of creamy and savory, with the sweetness of bell peppers complementing the hearty Italian sausage. The addition of fresh basil elevates the flavors, making each bite even more satisfying.
Whether you’re serving this dish for a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a dinner party, this pasta dish is sure to please everyone. It’s simple to make yet bursting with flavor, and can easily be customized with your favorite pasta or a touch more spice if you like it hot. A perfect, comforting meal in less than 30 minutes!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or your choice)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
- Add the sliced bell peppers and garlic, and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the peppers are softened.
- Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Add the heavy cream to the skillet and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, then stir in the Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce and sausage mixture.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 560 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Sweet Pepper and Sausage Pasta: A Perfect Weeknight Meal
This Sweet Pepper and Sausage Pasta combines the rich flavors of Italian sausage and sweet bell peppers with a creamy, Parmesan-infused sauce. The result is a hearty and satisfying dish that comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Whether you’re craving a comforting dinner or need a quick meal for your family, this pasta will hit the spot every time.
The balance of savory sausage, sweet bell peppers, and creamy sauce creates a deliciously flavorful pasta that is both comforting and filling. You can also customize this recipe by adding extra veggies or adjusting the spice level to suit your tastes. The easy preparation and simple ingredients make this a go-to recipe for any home cook, regardless of skill level.
Origins and Background:
Pasta has long been a staple of Italian cuisine, and the combination of sausage and peppers is a popular pairing in many traditional dishes. The addition of cream and Parmesan elevates this meal into a richer, more luxurious version of the classic sausage and peppers recipe. Though this dish draws inspiration from Italian cuisine, it can be easily adapted to suit a variety of dietary preferences or ingredient availability.
Cooking Tips:
- Choose your sausage wisely: You can opt for mild or spicy Italian sausage, depending on your preference. For a healthier twist, you can even use turkey sausage.
- Customize the peppers: While this recipe calls for red, yellow, and green bell peppers, feel free to use whatever color peppers you have on hand. Red peppers add a natural sweetness, while green peppers give a slightly tangy taste.
- Make it spicier: If you like a bit of heat, add extra crushed red pepper flakes or a small diced chili pepper when cooking the sausage and peppers.
- Perfect the sauce: Don’t rush the simmering of the cream. Letting it thicken slightly before tossing in the pasta ensures the sauce coats the pasta beautifully.
Serving Suggestions:
This dish is perfect on its own, but you can also serve it alongside a simple green salad or a slice of crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. For a touch of freshness, garnish with freshly chopped basil just before serving. If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can replace the sausage with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based sausage.
Make It Your Own:
One of the best parts of this dish is its versatility. You can swap out the bell peppers for other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms. Additionally, if you’re not a fan of heavy cream, you can substitute it with half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter version. For those looking to reduce carbs, try using zucchini noodles or another low-carb pasta alternative.
About the Recipe:
Sweet Pepper and Sausage Pasta is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of savory sausage and sweet bell peppers, coated in a creamy Parmesan sauce, creates a rich and delicious meal. This pasta is hearty enough for a family dinner yet simple enough for a weeknight. Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal or something easy to prepare, this recipe delivers both flavor and convenience.
The Key Ingredients:
- Italian Sausage: This recipe calls for Italian sausage, which brings a rich and savory flavor to the dish. You can choose between spicy or mild sausage depending on your preference. The sausage is browned to perfection, creating a delicious base for the dish.
- Bell Peppers: The bell peppers—red, yellow, and green—add both sweetness and color to the dish, making it visually appealing and full of flavor. The sweetness of the peppers balances out the richness of the sausage and cream.
- Creamy Sauce: A mixture of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese creates a luscious sauce that coats the pasta beautifully. The sauce is simple to make but elevates the entire dish with its creamy texture and savory taste.
- Pasta: You can use your favorite type of pasta—penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti work well. The pasta absorbs the creamy sauce, making every bite flavorful.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Easy and Quick: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need something delicious but don’t have much time.
- Comforting and Hearty: The combination of sausage, peppers, and a creamy sauce makes this a filling meal that the whole family will love.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level, swap ingredients, or add extra veggies to suit your tastes. Want to make it lighter? Substitute the cream with half-and-half or coconut milk.
How to Serve:
- On Its Own: Sweet Pepper and Sausage Pasta is hearty enough to be a meal on its own. The creamy sauce, sausage, and peppers provide all the flavors you need for a complete dinner.
- With a Side Salad: Serve it alongside a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta.
- Garlic Bread: A warm piece of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce, making it an excellent side for this meal.
- Wine Pairing: For a nice touch, pair this dish with a glass of white wine, such as a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, to complement the creamy sauce and savory sausage.
Nutritional Information:
This dish is a filling and delicious option, but it’s also relatively high in calories due to the cream and sausage. To make it a bit lighter, you can try substituting some of the cream with a lighter option like half-and-half or a plant-based cream. The sausage can also be swapped with a leaner meat, like turkey sausage, for a healthier version.
Possible Variations:
- Vegetarian Version: Swap out the sausage for plant-based sausage or mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly option.
- Spicy Kick: Add extra crushed red pepper flakes or diced chili peppers for more heat.
- Dairy-Free: Use a non-dairy cream (like coconut cream) and a dairy-free cheese to make this dish completely dairy-free.
Conclusion:
Sweet Pepper and Sausage Pasta is the kind of dish that’s sure to please a crowd. It’s comforting, quick, and flavorful, and the best part is that it’s easy to customize. Whether you’re feeding your family, hosting a casual dinner, or just craving a satisfying meal, this dish has got you covered.
Feel free to experiment with different vegetables or seasonings to make it your own! With its delicious blend of flavors, this pasta is guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen.