If you’re looking for a pasta dish that’s bursting with bold flavors, vibrant colors, and comforting textures, this Sweet Pepper and Sausage Pasta is about to become a favorite! Imagine juicy, savory sausage paired with sweet, tender bell peppers, all tossed in a rich, garlicky sauce that clings to every strand of pasta. It’s quick, hearty, and absolutely delicious—perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something satisfying without a ton of effort.
Why You’ll Love Sweet Pepper and Sausage Pasta
Versatile Works with any type of sausage—pork, chicken, or even plant-based!
Budget-Friendly Uses simple, inexpensive ingredients that pack in big flavor.
Quick and Easy Ready in just 30 minutes, making it a lifesaver for busy days.
Customizable Spice it up, add extra veggies, or swap the pasta type to make it your own.
Crowd-Pleasing A guaranteed hit with family and friends, even the picky eaters!
Ingredients
Ingredients in Sweet Pepper and Sausage Pasta
Here’s what makes this dish so rich, flavorful, and satisfying:
Sausage The star of the show! Italian sausage, smoked sausage, or even chorizo will work beautifully.
Sweet Bell Peppers A mix of red, yellow, and orange peppers adds sweetness and a pop of color.
Onion Balances the sweetness of the peppers with a savory depth.
Garlic Because every great pasta dish needs that punch of garlicky goodness.
Tomato Paste Helps create a rich, thick sauce with deep umami flavor.
Crushed Tomatoes The base of the sauce, bringing a slightly tangy, robust taste.
Chicken Broth Adds moisture and enhances the sauce’s flavor.
Heavy Cream A splash makes the sauce velvety and luxurious.
Parmesan Cheese Adds a nutty, salty finish that ties everything together.
Olive Oil Helps caramelize the veggies and sausage for maximum flavor.
Salt & Pepper Essential seasonings to bring everything into balance.
Red Pepper Flakes (Optional) A little heat goes a long way for those who like spice!
Pasta Penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine work perfectly to hold onto all that sauce.
Instructions
Sauté the Sausage
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up into bite-sized pieces. Cook until browned and slightly crispy. Remove and set aside.
Cook the Peppers and Onion
In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers and onion. Sauté until they become soft and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.
Add Garlic and Tomato Paste
Stir in minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
Make the Sauce
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and let cook for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Stir in the Cream and Cheese
Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix until the sauce is rich and creamy.
Cook the Pasta
Meanwhile, cook your pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta and sausage back into the skillet, tossing everything together. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a bit of the reserved pasta water.
Serve and Enjoy
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if desired!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 620
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve Sweet Pepper and Sausage Pasta
This pasta dish is already packed with flavor, but you can make it even better with these serving ideas:
- Pair it with a crisp green salad and balsamic vinaigrette for a fresh contrast.
- Serve with garlic bread or a warm baguette to soak up the extra sauce.
- Top with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, or a drizzle of olive oil for added richness.
- Add a side of roasted vegetables for extra nutrients and color.
Additional Tips
- Use a spicy sausage if you love a little heat in your pasta.
- Make it lighter by swapping heavy cream for half-and-half or Greek yogurt.
- Try whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier twist.
- Add mushrooms or spinach for even more veggies and texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat with a splash of broth or cream.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Short pasta like fusilli or farfalle works great, but spaghetti or linguine can also be delicious.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Cook the sauce in advance and store it separately from the pasta. Reheat and mix before serving.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
4. How do I reheat this pasta?
Reheat on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to keep the sauce smooth.
5. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, but the cream-based sauce may change texture slightly. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
6. Can I make this without cream?
Yes! Skip the cream or use a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk.
7. What’s the best sausage to use?
Italian sausage adds a nice kick, but smoked sausage or chorizo also work beautifully.
8. How do I make this spicier?
Add extra red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage for more heat.
9. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes! Blend fresh tomatoes for a fresher taste, but you may need to cook them down longer.
10. What can I substitute for Parmesan?
Try Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Conclusion
This Sweet Pepper and Sausage Pasta is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and creamy flavors—all wrapped up in a quick, one-pan meal. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or meal-prepping for the week, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Try it once, and trust me, it’ll become a staple in your recipe collection!
Print
Sweet Pepper and Sausage Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Description
A delicious and easy pasta dish featuring sweet bell peppers, savory sausage, and a flavorful tomato-based sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
– 225g (8 oz) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 sweet bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), sliced
– 250g (9 oz) Italian sausage, sliced or crumbled
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 1 can (400g / 14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1/2 cup tomato sauce
– 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
– 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamy version)
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add the onions and cook until soft. Then, add the garlic and sweet bell peppers, cooking for another 3–4 minutes.
4. Return the sausage to the pan, then add salt, black pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
5. Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth. Stir and let simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Stir in the balsamic vinegar and heavy cream (if using). Let cook for another 2 minutes.
7. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until evenly coated.
8. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
Notes
– For extra flavor, use smoked sausage or chorizo instead of Italian sausage.
– Swap out heavy cream for Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
– Add spinach or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
– Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 45mg