How do you make sausage and peppers pasta from scratch?

To make sausage and peppers pasta, start by slicing Italian sausage and cooking it in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Remove the sausage, then sauté sliced bell peppers and onions in the same skillet until tender. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute. Return the sausage to the pan, pour in crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce, and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Meanwhile, cook your preferred pasta according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and toss it with the sausage and pepper sauce. Finish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil or parsley. This simple process results in a flavorful, hearty dish ready in about 30 minutes.

What types of sausage work best for sausage and peppers pasta?

Italian sausage is the most commonly used variety for sausage and peppers pasta, thanks to its balanced seasoning and natural casing. You can choose between sweet, mild, or spicy Italian sausage depending on your taste preference. For a leaner option, turkey or chicken sausage can be substituted, though the flavor will be milder. Avoid pre-cooked or overly processed sausages, as fresh or raw sausage offers better texture and more robust flavor when browned properly.

Can I make sausage and peppers pasta ahead of time and reheat it?

Yes, sausage and peppers pasta reheats well and can be made ahead for meal prep or busy weeknights. Store the cooked pasta and sauce separately in airtight containers to prevent sogginess. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Consume within 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 1 month for best quality. This makes it a convenient recipe to prepare in advance without losing flavor or texture.

What side dishes pair well with sausage and peppers pasta?

Sausage and peppers pasta pairs nicely with simple side dishes that complement its rich flavors. Consider serving a light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the meal. Garlic bread or a crisp Italian-style baguette can also enhance the dining experience and soak up any extra sauce. For a vegetable side, roasted or steamed broccoli, zucchini, or a sautéed green beans dish works well to add freshness and color to your plate.

How can I make sausage and peppers pasta healthier?

To create a healthier version of sausage and peppers pasta, use whole wheat or legume-based pasta for added fiber and nutrients. Select lean chicken or turkey sausage to reduce saturated fat content. Increase the amount of bell peppers, onions, and other vegetables in the sauce for vitamins and antioxidants. Use low-sodium canned tomatoes or make your own sauce from fresh tomatoes to control salt levels. Finally, skip or limit added cheese, or opt for a small amount of a strong-flavored cheese like Parmesan to reduce calories while maintaining taste.

Sausage And Peppers Pasta Recipe With Creamy Rich Sauce

Name: Sausage And Peppers Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: – 8 ounces uncooked pasta (bucatini preferred, but any long pasta works); – 1 pound Italian sausage (ground or removed from casings); – 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 or whipping cream; – 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard; – 2 cups packed fresh baby spinach; – Salt and pepper to taste; – Freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)

Description

🍝 This Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta combines rich sauce and tender pasta for a satisfying meal.
🌶️ It’s packed with flavorful sausage, sweet bell peppers, and fresh spinach for a balanced and comforting dish.

Ingredients

– 8 ounces uncooked pasta (bucatini preferred, but any long pasta works)

– 1 pound Italian sausage (ground or removed from casings)

– 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 or whipping cream

– 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard

– 2 cups packed fresh baby spinach

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions

1-Getting started: bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 8 ounces of pasta until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. While the pasta cooks, you’ll prepare the rest in one skillet to keep things easy and minimize cleanup.

2-Browning sausage and sautéing vegetables: brown 1 pound of Italian sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks for 8-10 minutes. Once done, transfer it to a plate. In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sauté 1/2 medium chopped onion along with 1 medium chopped red bell pepper and 1 medium chopped yellow bell pepper until softened, about 7-8 minutes.

3-Making the sauce: Reduce the heat to medium, then add 1 tablespoon of butter and 2-3 minced garlic cloves; let the butter melt. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of flour and stir for about 1 minute to thicken things up. Now, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, cooking briefly until the sauce thickens slightly, around 1 minute.

4-Final assembly: Return the sausage to the skillet along with 2 cups of packed fresh baby spinach, and toss to combine. Add a couple of tablespoons of the reserved pasta water to help the sauce coat everything nicely. Drain the pasta and mix it into the skillet, stirring until the spinach wilts and everything is well coated. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve topped with freshly grated parmesan if you like.

Notes

🧅 Allow onions and peppers to soften and lightly caramelize to enhance the flavor.
🌶️ Use spicy sausage or add red pepper flakes if you like heat.
💧 Adding hot pasta water helps the sauce coat the pasta smoothly.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Sautéing, Boiling
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 890
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 892mg
Fat: 64g
Saturated Fat: 29g
Unsaturated Fat: 31g
Trans Fat: 0.1g
Carbohydrates: 51g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 27g
Cholesterol: 161mg

Keywords: Sausage pasta, Creamy pasta, Peppers pasta, Italian-American