Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta
A cozy and heartwarming dinner featuring creamy sauce, savory sausage, and colorful bell peppers, perfect for sharing joyful moments with loved ones.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine or penne)
- 1 pound Italian sausage (spicy or mild) depending on your family's taste
- 1 red bell pepper sweet and vibrant
- 1 yellow bell pepper for that sunny, cheerful color
- 3 cloves garlic minced, because garlic makes everything better
- 1 cup heavy cream for that luscious smoothness
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese or more, if you're like me
- 1 tablespoon olive oil to get everything started
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil optional for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil. Once bubbling, add in your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
- While your pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it browns. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Toss in the minced garlic and bell peppers, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until they soften.
- Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently. Let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly. Add in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to ensure it’s well-coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to lighten it. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Before serving, sprinkle fresh basil over the top for additional flavor and a gorgeous presentation.
Notes
Feel free to put your own spin on this dish! Suggestions include using chicken sausage for a lighter option, adding fresh greens like spinach or kale, or experimenting with different types of cheese.