If you’re craving a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine perfectly cooked pasta wrapped in a rich, velvety sauce filled with flavorful Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, and a touch of fresh spinach. This dish brings together a delightful balance of creamy indulgence and vibrant veggies, making it an unbeatable crowd-pleaser for weeknights or casual gatherings. It’s straightforward to make but feels special every time you serve it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, everyday ingredients that work together harmoniously is the secret to making this dish shine. Each component plays a vital role—from the juicy sausage and colorful peppers to the creamy sauce that ties everything together beautifully.
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta: Choose bucatini, penne, or rigatoni for the perfect texture to soak up the sauce.
- 1 pound Italian sausage: Mild or spicy, casings removed, to deliver a burst of savory flavor in every bite.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps soften the veggies and adds a subtle fruity undertone.
- ½ medium onion, chopped: Brings natural sweetness and depth to the dish.
- 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped: Adds vibrant color and a touch of crisp sweetness.
- 1 medium yellow bell pepper, chopped: Balances the red pepper with mellow flavor and bright tones.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Creates richness and helps develop the creamy sauce.
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth.
- 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce just enough for that luscious texture.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The star that turns this into a dreamily creamy pasta.
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang that lifts the whole flavor profile.
- 2 cups packed fresh baby spinach: Provides a fresh, slightly earthy contrast and vibrant green color.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional): A savory finishing touch that enhances every forkful.
How to Make Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling salted water and cooking your chosen pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Perfectly tender pasta is crucial here since it will hold up against the rich sauce and chunky sausage. Once cooked, drain it and set it aside while you prepare the other components.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage and Sauté the Veggies
While the pasta is going, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon so it’s nicely crumbled. Cooking sausage properly builds deep flavor right from the start. Remove the cooked sausage and set it aside. In the same skillet, add olive oil and sauté the chopped onion and both red and yellow bell peppers until they become tender and develop a golden hue. This step brings out their natural sweetness and adds beautiful texture contrasts.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce
Turn the heat down to medium and add butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook just until the garlic becomes fragrant, which takes about a minute. Then sprinkle the flour over the mixture, stirring continually to cook out the raw flour taste—it will help thicken your sauce to that perfect velvety consistency. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and Dijon mustard, stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and luscious.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and add the fresh baby spinach. Give everything a good toss so the spinach wilts evenly. Add a splash of the hot pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed, then fold in the drained pasta. Toss gently to ensure every piece is coated with the creamy sauce. Taste and season with salt and pepper, adjusting to your liking.
Step 5: Serve with a Smile
Dish your creamy sausage and peppers pasta onto plates or into bowls, and if you love, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top. The cheese melts into the warm pasta, adding just the right hint of salty richness to complete the dish.
How to Serve Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of bright green chopped parsley or basil rings will add a fresh pop of color and an herbal lift to contrast the creamy richness. If you like a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes is a lovely touch.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing counterbalance. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is also fantastic to soak up every bit of that delicious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For an inviting touch, serve the pasta in rustic bowls rather than standard plates, and add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on top. A small ramekin of Parmesan on the side invites guests to customize their portions perfectly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days, making it a wonderful option for meal prep or post-dinner enjoyment. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze the Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta Recipe, but keep in mind that creamy pasta dishes sometimes shift in texture after thawing. Freeze in portion-sized containers, and consume within two months for the best quality.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce’s original silky texture. Avoid microwaving at high power to prevent the sauce from separating.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a leaner alternative and will work well in this recipe. Just make sure it’s well seasoned to maintain the dish’s robust flavor.
What pasta shape works best for this recipe?
Pasta shapes like bucatini, penne, or rigatoni work best because their hollow centers and ridges hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully, giving you a perfect bite every time.
Is this recipe very spicy if I use spicy Italian sausage?
It can have a bit of a kick if you opt for spicy sausage, but the creamy sauce smooths out the heat nicely. You can always choose mild sausage if you prefer a gentler flavor.
Can I substitute the heavy cream for a lighter option?
For a lighter twist, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce won’t be quite as rich or thick. To compensate, you might want to reduce the liquid slightly or add a little extra flour.
How do I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, swap the sausage for hearty mushrooms or plant-based sausage alternatives. Keep the flavorful peppers and creamy sauce for a satisfying meat-free meal.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say this Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta Recipe will quickly become one of your go-to dishes for busy nights or when you want to impress without fuss. It’s flavorful, comforting, and downright delicious from start to finish. Give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did!
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Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender pasta coated in a luscious cream sauce with Italian sausage, sautéed bell peppers, and fresh spinach. It’s an easy, satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
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
Optional
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Brown the Sausage and Sauté Vegetables: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up as it cooks until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add olive oil, then sauté the chopped onion and both bell peppers until they are softened and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Sprinkle in flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute to create a roux. Slowly stir in heavy cream and Dijon mustard, whisking until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet along with the fresh baby spinach. Toss to combine. Add a splash of hot pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency. Then add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the spinach wilts and the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the creamy sausage and peppers pasta immediately, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, use spicy Italian sausage instead of mild.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, although it may be less creamy.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten free.
- If you prefer, add mushrooms or zucchini to the sautéed vegetables for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
