Description
Indulge in the creamy, savory goodness of Creamy Italian Sausage and Peppers Pasta—a one-pan wonder that combines tender pasta, flavorful Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, and a rich, velvety sauce. Perfect for family dinners, date nights, or whenever you’re craving a comforting yet quick meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta (e.g., bucatini or your favorite pasta)
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, depending on preference)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ 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
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside while you prepare the sausage and sauce.
2. Cook the Sausage
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks.
- Cook until browned and fully cooked through. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper.
- Sauté for 5–7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
- Add the butter and minced garlic, cooking for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Make the Cream Sauce
- Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir to combine.
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring to create a smooth sauce.
- Stir in the Dijon mustard and let the sauce simmer for 3–4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
5. Combine Everything
- Return the cooked sausage to the skillet.
- Add the fresh baby spinach and stir until it wilts.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Toss the Pasta
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat it evenly in the creamy sauce.
- If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta for an extra touch of flavor.
7. Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the pasta hot, topped with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Pair with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete, satisfying meal.
Notes
- Spice Level: Use mild or spicy Italian sausage based on your flavor preference. Add red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Pasta Substitutions: While bucatini works well, feel free to use penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of cream or water to refresh the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired