Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta

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This Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta is a rich, flavor-packed meal that feels like comfort in a bowl. Juicy Italian sausage mingles with tender bell peppers in a garlicky cream sauce that hugs every strand of pasta just right. It’s the kind of dish that makes weeknights special and weekends feel a bit more indulgent.

What sets this pasta apart is how quickly it comes together while still tasting like it simmered all day. With just a handful of ingredients and one skillet, you can whip up a hearty dinner that satisfies everyone at the table without piling up dishes in the sink.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta

There’s something cozy and soul-soothing about the combo of sausage, peppers, and pasta drenched in a silky sauce. It’s bold, savory, and beautifully balanced. Whether you’re craving something rich and meaty or just want to use up what’s in your fridge, this pasta covers all the bases. Plus, it reheats like a dream.

What Kind of Sausage Should I Use?

Sweet or spicy Italian sausage works best for this dish. You can use ground sausage for ease, or buy links and remove the casing. Pork gives the best flavor, but chicken or turkey sausage is a lighter option if preferred. Avoid heavily smoked sausage, as it can overpower the creamy sauce.

Ingredients for the Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta

You don’t need much to make this dish shine. A few quality ingredients go a long way when combined the right way.

  • Italian sausage: The heart of the flavor, providing richness and spice.
  • Pasta: Short shapes like penne or rigatoni are ideal to catch the sauce.
  • Bell peppers: Adds sweetness and a pop of color to every bite.
  • Garlic: Aromatic and essential for depth.
  • Heavy cream: The base of that luscious sauce.
  • Parmesan cheese: For salty, nutty finish that brings it all together.
  • Olive oil: Helps brown the sausage and peppers.
  • Salt and pepper: Just enough to enhance everything.

How To Make the Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spatula as it browns. Cook until fully cooked through with crispy edges.

Step 2: Sauté the Peppers and Garlic

Add the sliced bell peppers to the same skillet and sauté until softened and slightly charred. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant.

Step 3: Make It Creamy

Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it reduce slightly, then stir in grated Parmesan until smooth and glossy.

Step 4: Combine with Pasta

Meanwhile, cook your pasta until al dente. Reserve a bit of pasta water before draining. Toss the pasta into the skillet with the sausage and sauce, adding a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Serve hot with extra Parmesan on top.

How to Serve and Store This Pasta

This recipe makes about 4 generous servings, perfect for a family meal or delicious leftovers the next day. Serve it piping hot straight from the skillet or transfer it to a serving bowl and sprinkle with a bit more Parmesan or fresh parsley.

To store, let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of cream or milk to bring back the silky texture.

What to Serve With Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta?

Garlic Bread

A crispy, buttery garlic bread is ideal for soaking up all that extra cream sauce.

Simple Green Salad

A fresh salad with a lemony vinaigrette balances out the richness perfectly.

Roasted Broccoli

Tossed with olive oil, salt, and pepper then roasted until crispy.

Sautéed Zucchini

Light and fast to prepare, it adds a nice vegetal note to the meal.

Caesar Salad

Bold and briny, it’s a classic side that pairs well with pasta.

Grilled Asparagus

Especially in spring, grilled asparagus adds char and freshness.

Cheesy Pull-Apart Rolls

Soft and melty, they’re fun to eat alongside pasta.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If creamy pasta is your love language, here are more dinner inspirations you might enjoy:

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can find it any night you’re craving something cozy.

And when you make it, come back and tell me how it went! Did you go spicy or mild on the sausage? Add mushrooms or spinach? I’d love to hear how you made it your own.

Explore beautifully curated weeknight dinners and comforting bowls on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover new favorites for every craving.

Conclusion

Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta is a weeknight hero that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for speed. It brings bold comfort and creamy goodness in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for yourself, it’s a go-to pasta you’ll come back to again and again.

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Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta


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  • Author: Janet Reynolds
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

This creamy sausage and peppers pasta is a rich and comforting dinner idea made with Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, and a garlicky Parmesan cream sauce. It’s a quick and easy weeknight pasta recipe that’s packed with flavor and perfect for family meals.


Ingredients

1 pound Italian sausage

12 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta

2 bell peppers, sliced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste


Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked.

2. Add sliced bell peppers and sauté until softened and slightly charred. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let reduce slightly, then stir in grated Parmesan until sauce is smooth.

4. Meanwhile, cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.

5. Add pasta to the skillet and toss to combine. Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.

6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with extra Parmesan on top.

Notes

This dish is best served fresh but also reheats beautifully.

You can swap pork sausage with turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

Add red pepper flakes if you want more heat in the sauce.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Pasta
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 625
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 820mg
  • Fat: 38g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 47g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 24g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

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