Creamy Italian Sausage and Peppers Pasta

Creamy Italian Sausage and Peppers Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the savory taste of Italian sausage with sweet bell peppers and a rich, creamy sauce. Perfect for a hearty dinner, this pasta recipe is easy to make and sure to please the whole family. Enjoy it with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of indulgence.

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces uncooked pasta (such as 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 and pepper to taste
  • Optionally, add grated Parmesan cheese to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta:
    • Fill a large pot with water, add a generous amount of salt, and bring to a boil.
    • Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Cook the Sausage:
    • Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
    • Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. Take the sausage out of the skillet and put it aside.
  3. Sauté the Vegetables:
    • In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper.
    • Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
    • Add the butter and minced garlic, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Make the Cream Sauce:
    • Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to combine.
    • Pour in the heavy cream and add the Dijon mustard. Stir well to incorporate the flour and create a smooth sauce.
    • Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for a few minutes until it begins to thicken.
  5. Combine and Serve:
    • Add the cooked sausage back to the skillet, along with the fresh baby spinach. Stir until the spinach is wilted.
    • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
    • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it evenly with the sauce and sausage mixture.
    • Serve hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Conclusion

Creamy Italian Sausage and Peppers Pasta is a deliciously rich and satisfying dish that combines savory sausage, sweet bell peppers, and fresh spinach in a creamy sauce. Quick to prepare and full of flavor, this pasta dish is perfect for a cozy dinner at home. Enjoy the blend of textures and tastes in every bite, and don’t forget the Parmesan for an extra layer of flavor!