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Savory Sausage and Peppers Pasta with Easy Creamy Tomato Sauce

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A quick and easy pasta dish featuring Italian sausage, bell peppers, and a luscious creamy tomato sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners, this comforting meal is a crowd-pleaser with balanced flavors and a creamy texture.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) Italian sausage, casings removed and crumbled
  • 2 medium bell peppers (one red, one yellow), sliced into thin strips
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) crushed tomatoes
  • ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 12 ounces (340 g) penne or rigatoni pasta
  • A handful fresh basil, chopped (optional)
  • Parmesan cheese, grated, for serving
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz (340 g) of penne or rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until just al dente (usually 10-12 minutes). Drain, reserving ½ cup (120 ml) of pasta water. Set pasta aside.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the crumbled sausage. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through with some crispy edges (about 7-8 minutes). Use a slotted spoon to transfer the sausage to a plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
  3. In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers and chopped onion. Sauté over medium heat until softened and slightly caramelized (about 6-7 minutes). Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in 1 can (14 oz/400 g) crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes to reduce slightly. Then, stir in ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for another 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and turns a pinkish hue.
  5. Return the browned sausage to the skillet with the sauce and veggies. Stir well to combine and heat through for 2-3 minutes. Then fold in the cooked pasta, tossing gently to coat evenly.
  6. Remove from heat. Stir in fresh chopped basil if using. Serve immediately with freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top. Optionally, drizzle with olive oil or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta; it will finish cooking when mixed with the sauce. Browning the sausage slowly adds flavor and texture. Add reserved pasta water to loosen sauce if too thick. Garlic burns easily, so add it last when cooking veggies. This recipe is flexible: swap sausage for plant-based or turkey sausage, use gluten-free pasta, or substitute heavy cream with coconut or cashew cream for dairy-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: sausage pasta, creamy tomato sauce, bell peppers, easy pasta recipe, weeknight dinner, Italian sausage, comfort food

Find it online: https://atomicbite.com/savory-sausage-and-peppers-pasta-recipe-easy-creamy-tomato-sauce/