Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta Recipe
Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines savory Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, and creamy Parmesan sauce tossed with tender pasta. In this article, we’ll explore how to make this delicious and satisfying recipe step by step.
1. Introduction to Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta
Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta is the perfect dish for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with family and friends. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, this hearty pasta dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
2. Ingredients Needed
To make Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Italian Sausage (mild or spicy)
Bell Peppers (assorted colors)
Onion
Garlic
Heavy Cream
Parmesan Cheese (grated)
Pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)
Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper
Fresh Herbs (such as parsley or basil, optional)
3. Preparing the Ingredients
Start by slicing the Italian sausage into bite-sized pieces and removing the casings if necessary. Core and seed the bell peppers, then slice them into strips. Peel and chop the onion and garlic. Grate the Parmesan cheese and set it aside.
4. Cooking Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Add the sliced bell peppers, chopped onion, and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until softened and fragrant.
While the sausage and peppers are cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.
5. Making Creamy Sauce
Once the sausage and vegetables are cooked, reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring until melted and creamy. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Assembling the Dish
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sausage and peppers, tossing gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
7. Serving Suggestions
Serve Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta hot, garnished with fresh herbs and additional grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. This dish pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.
8. Variations and Customizations
Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences. You can use different types of sausage, such as chicken or turkey sausage, or add additional vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes. You can also experiment with different cheeses, such as Asiago, Gouda, or fontina, for unique flavor combinations.
9. Tips for Success
To ensure that your Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta turns out perfectly every time, follow these tips:
- Cook the sausage until it’s nicely browned and cooked through for maximum flavor.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining to help loosen the sauce and create a creamy texture.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to suit your taste preferences.
10. Health Benefits of Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta
While Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta is a rich and indulgent dish, it does offer some nutritional benefits. Bell peppers are rich in vitamins A and C, while garlic provides antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Enjoying this dish in moderation as part of a balanced diet can contribute to overall health and well-being.
11. Conclusion
In conclusion, Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta is a delicious and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its savory sausage, sweet bell peppers, and creamy Parmesan sauce, it’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or hosting a dinner party, Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta is sure to be a hit.
Source: saltandlavender.com
Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta Recipe
Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines savory Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, and creamy Parmesan sauce tossed with tender pasta. In this article, we'll explore how to make this delicious and satisfying recipe step by step.
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta I used bucatini
- 1 pound Italian sausage see note
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion chopped
- 1 medium red bell pepper chopped
- 1 medium yellow bell pepper chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2-3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon flour
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 cups packed fresh baby spinach
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese optional (to taste)
- Boil a large, salted pot of water and cook the pasta al dente according to package directions.
- Meanwhile, brown the sausage meat in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up as you go along (about 8-10 minutes). Once it's cooked through, transfer it to a paper towel lined plate.
- Add the oil to the skillet, along with the onion and chopped bell peppers. Cook until the onion is lightly browned and the peppers have softened up (about 7-8 minutes).
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and garlic to the skillet, and once the butter melts, sprinkle in the flour and cook for about a minute, stirring well.
- Stir in the cream and Dijon mustard (ensure there's no lumps from the flour). The sauce should thicken quite quickly, so don't let it cook for more than a minute or so before moving on to the next step.
- Add the cooked sausage and spinach to the skillet and stir/toss.
- Before draining the pasta, add in a splash (a couple tablespoons or so) of the hot pasta water to the skillet, then drain the pasta and add it to the skillet. Toss until the spinach has wilted and the pasta is coated with the sauce. Serve immediately with salt & pepper as needed and some freshly grated parmesan cheese.