There’s something so satisfying about a big bowl of pasta loaded with savory sausage, sweet bell peppers, and a creamy, flavorful sauce. This dish is a weeknight hero—quick, easy, and packed with bold flavors. The sweetness of the peppers balances the richness of the sausage, while the sauce ties everything together in the most delicious way. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be on repeat in your kitchen!
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Why You’ll Love Sweet Pepper & Sausage Pasta
Quick & Easy: Perfect for busy nights when you need something hearty without the hassle.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients you probably already have.
Flavor-Packed: The combination of smoky sausage and sweet peppers is unbeatable.
Customizable: Switch up the pasta, add more veggies, or spice it up with red pepper flakes.
Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone at the table—kids and adults alike—will devour this.
Ingredients in Sweet Pepper & Sausage Pasta
Here’s what makes this pasta so irresistible:
Pasta: The base of the dish—choose your favorite shape! Penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine all work well.
Sausage: Adds a smoky, savory depth. Use spicy or mild Italian sausage, depending on your preference.
Bell Peppers: The sweetness balances the bold sausage flavor. A mix of red, yellow, and orange peppers adds color and taste.
Onion & Garlic: Essential aromatics that build a flavorful base.
Heavy Cream: Creates a rich, velvety sauce that coats every bite.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, umami punch that ties the flavors together.
Crushed Tomatoes: A touch of acidity for balance.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that gives the sauce its signature Italian flair.
Olive Oil: For sautéing and bringing everything together.
Instructions
Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
Brown the Sausage: In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks.
Sauté the Vegetables: Add sliced bell peppers, onions, and garlic to the pan. Cook until softened and fragrant.
Make the Sauce: Stir in crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer until thickened.
Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss until coated in the sauce. If needed, add reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
Finish & Serve: Stir in Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning to taste. Serve hot with extra cheese on top.
How to Serve Sweet Pepper & Sausage Pasta
With a Side Salad: A fresh green salad with balsamic dressing balances the richness.
Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
Extra Cheese: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan or pecorino takes it to the next level.
With a Glass of Wine: A crisp white or light red pairs beautifully with the dish.
Additional Tips
Make Ahead: The sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage for extra heat.
Lighter Version: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a splash of milk.
Storage Tips: Leftovers keep well in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze the sauce separately for an easy future meal.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use chicken sausage instead of pork?
A1: Absolutely! Chicken or turkey sausage works just as well.
Q2: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
A2: Yes! Use coconut milk instead of cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Q4: Can I make this in one pot?
A4: Yes! Cook the pasta first, set it aside, and use the same pot for the sauce.
Q5: What other veggies can I add?
A5: Mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini would be great additions.
Q6: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A6: Of course! Any pasta shape works—use what you have on hand.
Q7: How do I make it extra creamy?
A7: Stir in a bit of cream cheese or mascarpone for added richness.
Q8: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
A8: Yes! Just dice and cook them down until soft before adding other ingredients.
Q9: Can I double the recipe for meal prep?
A9: Definitely! It reheats well, making it perfect for leftovers.
Q10: How do I reheat it without drying it out?
A10: Add a splash of water or broth when reheating on the stovetop or microwave.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet Pepper & Sausage Pasta is the perfect balance of comfort and flavor. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but delicious enough to impress guests. Try it once, and I guarantee it’ll become a regular in your meal rotation!
Print
Sweet Pepper & Sausage Pasta
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Pastas
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Sweet Pepper and Sausage Pasta is a simple, hearty dish featuring Italian sausage, jammy caramelized bell peppers, and your favorite short-cut pasta. A touch of balsamic vinegar and brown sugar enhances the flavors, making it a perfect weeknight comfort meal.
Ingredients
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1/2 lb mild or spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
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2 tbsp tomato paste, divided
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2 tbsp olive oil, divided
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1/2 sweet onion, thinly sliced
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2 medium red or yellow bell peppers, sliced
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3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
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1 1/2 tsp light brown sugar
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1 tsp dried oregano
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1 tsp balsamic vinegar
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8 oz dry short-cut pasta (rigatoni, penne, or fusilli)
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Kosher salt, to taste
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1/2 cup reserved pasta water
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Toasted breadcrumbs, for serving (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook the Sausage:
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Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add the sausage and cook until browned and just cooked through.
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Stir in 1 tbsp tomato paste and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until caramelized.
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Transfer to a plate and set aside.
2. Caramelize the Peppers & Onions:
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In the same pan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
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Add the onions and bell peppers. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring often, until softened and caramelized.
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Stir in the remaining 1 tbsp tomato paste, garlic, brown sugar, oregano, and balsamic vinegar.
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Season with kosher salt and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until jammy.
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If the peppers start to dry out, add a splash of water and let it simmer.
3. Cook the Pasta:
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Meanwhile, cook the pasta in generously salted boiling water 1 minute less than the package instructions.
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Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
4. Combine & Serve:
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Add the pasta and cooked sausage back into the skillet with the peppers.
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Pour in ¼ cup reserved pasta water, stirring for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta.
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Add more pasta water as needed for a silky texture.
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Serve immediately, topped with toasted breadcrumbs, if desired.
Notes
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Spicy Kick: Use spicy Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
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Make it Lighter: Swap sausage for ground turkey or chicken sausage.
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Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based sausage or substitute mushrooms.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 45mg