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Creamy Sausage Pasta with Roasted Red Peppers

Creamy Sausage Pasta with Roasted Red Peppers

Creamy Sausage Pasta with Roasted Red Peppers is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines savory Italian sausage, smoky roasted red peppers, and a luscious creamy sauce served over tender pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, this easy yet impressive recipe is perfect for weeknights and can be customized to suit your taste or dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 12 oz Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed if necessary

Vegetables & Herbs

  • 1 cup roasted red peppers, sliced into bite-sized strips
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Pasta

  • 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta

Dairy

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Oils & Seasonings

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Chop the roasted red peppers into bite-sized strips and finely mince the garlic. Remove the sausage from casings if necessary, and gather cheese and herbs so you’re ready to cook without interruptions.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water for the sauce.
  3. Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Brown and cook through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove sausage from pan and set aside.
  4. Sauté Garlic and Roasted Red Peppers: In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant but not burnt, about 1 minute. Add the roasted red peppers and cook for 3-4 minutes until warmed through and slightly caramelized.
  5. Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and creamy. Add the reserved pasta water a splash at a time to achieve your desired sauce consistency, stirring well.
  6. Combine Everything: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and toss in the drained pasta. Mix thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce and combine all flavors.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over the top, and add an extra dusting of Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy.

Notes

  • Use quality Italian sausage for the best flavor.
  • Do not overcook the pasta; al dente texture is ideal.
  • Reserve some pasta water to loosen and help the sauce cling to the pasta.
  • Toast garlic gently to avoid bitterness.
  • Allow the sauce to simmer briefly to meld flavors perfectly.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy Sausage Pasta, Roasted Red Peppers, Italian Sausage Pasta, Comfort Food, Quick Dinner, Weeknight Meal