When I think of comfort food that brings the family together, I immediately think of pasta dishes. There’s something about a big pot of pasta bubbling away that warms the heart. Pair that with Italian sausage and colorful bell peppers, and you’ve got a dish that screams cozy gatherings and happy mealtimes. You know, it’s the kind of dish that pairs well with a simple green salad and a glass of red wine.
On a summer evening, as the fireflies dance outside, a shared plate of this delightful pasta feels just right. You can almost hear the laughter and see the smiles as everyone digs in. If you’re planning a casual get-together or just need a delicious weeknight meal, this Italian sausage and peppers pasta is an absolute must-try.
This Italian sausage and peppers pasta recipe is both simple and satisfying. It combines hearty sausage with sweet bell peppers and creamy sauce, all tossed with your favorite pasta. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent but doesn’t require a culinary degree to make. The best part? You can whip it up in about 40 minutes, making it a perfect option for busy days. Let’s dive in!
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What is Italian Sausage and Peppers Pasta Recipe?
At its core, this dish is a celebration of Italian flavors. You’ve got the savory goodness of Italian sausage, which provides a rich depth of flavor. Then there are the bell peppers, which contribute a subtle sweetness and vibrant color. Toss in some garlic and a creamy sauce, and you have a tasty meal that’s great on its own or served with a side. Think of it as classic comfort food converging with modern convenience—a delicious and satisfying experience all in one bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need To Make This Dish
To create this delightful Italian sausage and peppers pasta, gather the following ingredients:
– 8 ounces uncooked bucatini (or pasta of your choice)
– 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, depending on your preference)
– 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
– 1 medium yellow bell pepper, chopped
– 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
– 1/2 medium onion, diced
– 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 2 cups fresh baby spinach (packed)
– Salt & pepper to taste
– Freshly grated parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
– A small pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick (optional)
How to Make This Italian Sausage and Peppers Pasta Recipe?
Creating this dish is a breeze, and it all comes together in just a few steps. I promise your kitchen will smell divine while you work! Here’s how to bring this dish to life.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, add the bucatini and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. I love bucatini for its unique texture, but penne or rigatoni works well too. Make sure to reserve a cup of pasta water before you drain it—this liquid is like liquid gold when it comes to adjusting sauce consistency later on!
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
While the pasta cooks, grab a large skillet and heat it over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and let it cook until browned and fully cooked through—about 8 to 10 minutes. Once it’s nicely browned, transfer the sausage to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess grease. This gives you the perfect base to build your flavors in the skillet.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Next, in the same skillet, add the olive oil, diced onion, and both the yellow and red bell peppers. Cook these beauties for about 7 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and the peppers are tender. This step is crucial; the veggies should be soft but still vibrant in color.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Now reduce the skillet heat to medium. Toss in the butter and minced garlic, stirring until the butter melts and the garlic is fragrant (about 1 minute). Sprinkle in the flour to create a roux, stirring well to combine for about a minute. Gradually pour in the heavy cream while stirring briskly to avoid any lumps from forming. Add the Dijon mustard; mix it all together as the sauce thickens up nicely within a minute. You want a creamy consistency that’ll coat your pasta perfectly.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Reintroduce that tasty browned sausage back into the skillet along with the fresh spinach. The spinach will wilt quickly, so give it just a minute to merge into the mix.
Step 6: Toss It All Together
Before you drain the pasta, grab a small cup and reserve about a half cup of that starchy pasta water. Drain the cooked pasta and then add it directly into the skillet with the sausage and vegetables. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if necessary, and toss everything together until the spaghetti is well coated. Season with salt, pepper, and a dash of red pepper flakes for an extra bit of heat if you like!
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Finally, serve your Italian sausage and peppers pasta hot, topped with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese if you wish. A bit of fresh parsley makes for a lovely garnish as well!
Tips & Tricks
– Don’t skip al dente: Make sure to not overcook your pasta; it should have a slight bite to it. This will help it hold up against the sauce.
– Choose your sausage wisely: If you prefer a kick, go for spicy Italian sausage, or stick with mild for a family-friendly option.
– Experiment with veggies: Feel free to throw in mushrooms, zucchini, or even some sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor.
– Stir in the cheese: For an extra creamy sauce, stir in some ricotta or cream cheese with the heavy cream.
– Make it ahead: This pasta packs well, so consider making it a day in advance. It’s even better when the flavors meld together overnight!
How Do You Store The Leftovers?
Storing leftovers is a breeze with this dish! Simply let the pasta cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen up the sauce if necessary.
Nutrition Information
This Italian sausage and peppers pasta is hearty and fulfilling, coming in at approximately 580 calories per serving. With protein from the sausage and heart-healthy fats from the olive oil and cream, it’s a balanced meal that satisfies your hunger while providing a comforting experience. Make sure to pack in those veggies for added nutrients!
What Sides Would Complement?
Here are some sides that pair beautifully with Italian sausage and peppers pasta:
– Garlic Bread: The crusty, buttery goodness is perfect for sopping up creamy sauce.
– Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine and parmesan with savory dressing adds a nice crunch.
– Roasted Asparagus: Drizzled with olive oil and seasoned with lemon juice, it’s the perfect light side.
– Grilled Veggies: A mix of seasonal vegetables grilled to perfection can round out the meal.
– Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Italian Sausage Peppers Pasta Recipe?
If you’re looking to swap ingredients or cater to specific diets, here are some great substitutes:
– Turkey or Chicken Sausage: For a leaner option, these alternatives work wonderfully, maintaining flavor and meatiness.
– Zucchini Noodles: For a low-carb twist, zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash can replace traditional pasta.
– Cream Cheese: If you want a creamier consistency, you can substitute some of the heavy cream with cream cheese.
– Vegetarian Sausage: For a plant-based version, opt for a good-quality vegetarian sausage.
– Skim Milk: If you’re trying to cut back on calories, use skim milk in place of heavy cream, adjusting seasonings and flavors to taste.
Italian Sausage Peppers Pasta Recipe
Equipment
- Skillet
- wooden spoon
- Spoons
Ingredients
- To create this delightful Italian sausage and peppers pasta gather the following ingredients:
- – 8 ounces uncooked bucatini or pasta of your choice
- – 1 pound Italian sausage mild or spicy, depending on your preference
- – 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- – 1 medium yellow bell pepper chopped
- – 1 medium red bell pepper chopped
- – 1/2 medium onion diced
- – 2-3 cloves garlic minced
- – 1 tablespoon butter
- – 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour
- – 1 cup heavy cream
- – 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- – 2 cups fresh baby spinach packed
- – Salt & pepper to taste
- – Freshly grated parmesan cheese for serving optional
- – A small pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick optional
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, add the bucatini and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. I love bucatini for its unique texture, but penne or rigatoni works well too. Make sure to reserve a cup of pasta water before you drain it—this liquid is like liquid gold when it comes to adjusting sauce consistency later on!
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
- While the pasta cooks, grab a large skillet and heat it over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and let it cook until browned and fully cooked through—about 8 to 10 minutes. Once it’s nicely browned, transfer the sausage to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess grease. This gives you the perfect base to build your flavors in the skillet.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
- Next, in the same skillet, add the olive oil, diced onion, and both the yellow and red bell peppers. Cook these beauties for about 7 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and the peppers are tender. This step is crucial; the veggies should be soft but still vibrant in color.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
- Now reduce the skillet heat to medium. Toss in the butter and minced garlic, stirring until the butter melts and the garlic is fragrant (about 1 minute). Sprinkle in the flour to create a roux, stirring well to combine for about a minute. Gradually pour in the heavy cream while stirring briskly to avoid any lumps from forming. Add the Dijon mustard; mix it all together as the sauce thickens up nicely within a minute. You want a creamy consistency that’ll coat your pasta perfectly.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
- Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Reintroduce that tasty browned sausage back into the skillet along with the fresh spinach. The spinach will wilt quickly, so give it just a minute to merge into the mix.
Step 6: Toss It All Together
- Before you drain the pasta, grab a small cup and reserve about a half cup of that starchy pasta water. Drain the cooked pasta and then add it directly into the skillet with the sausage and vegetables. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if necessary, and toss everything together until the spaghetti is well coated. Season with salt, pepper, and a dash of red pepper flakes for an extra bit of heat if you like!
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
- Finally, serve your Italian sausage and peppers pasta hot, topped with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese if you wish. A bit of fresh parsley makes for a lovely garnish as well!
Notes
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely! While bucatini is my favorite for this dish, any pasta shape you prefer—like penne, rotini, or fusilli—will work just fine.
2. Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply switch out traditional pasta for a gluten-free variety. There are many tasty options available today that hold up well in sauces.
3. Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You can cook the sausage and vegetables in advance and store them in the fridge. Just add in the pasta and cream before serving for the freshest taste.
4. What can I do if my sauce is too thick?
If you find the sauce is too thick, add in a little reserved pasta water or additional cream to loosen it up to your desired consistency.
5. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, this dish freezes nicely. Make sure to cool it down completely, then store it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Conclusion
This Italian sausage and peppers pasta is all about comfort, flavor, and ease. Whether you’re serving it on a cozy weeknight or at a gathering with family and friends, it’s sure to please. If you try this recipe, let me know how it turns out! Share your variations and favorite side dishes. Enjoy every last bite—happy cooking!
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