There’s something about a bowl of pasta that feels like a warm hug on a busy day. This Sweet Pepper and Beef Sausage Pasta combines simple ingredients into a dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and so easy to make. Sweet bell peppers lend a natural sweetness, while savory beef sausage brings a rich depth of flavor. Tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and a creamy, tangy tomato sauce, this dish has a little bit of everything: comfort, elegance, and simplicity.
For me, this recipe is a reminder of family dinners where everyone gathered around the table, sharing stories about their day. The smell of garlic sizzling in the pan and the vibrant colors of red and yellow peppers always spark memories of warmth and connection. This pasta is a perfect weeknight dinner idea when you want something satisfying yet straightforward.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour, this pasta recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a family favorite with its savory and slightly sweet flavors.
- Flexible: You can easily swap out ingredients to fit what you have on hand.
- Packed with Flavor: The combination of tender beef sausage, roasted sweet peppers, and a creamy tomato sauce makes every bite irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite type)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), thinly sliced
- 12 oz beef sausage, sliced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
How to Make Sweet Pepper and Beef Sausage Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining the rest. This will help you achieve a silky sauce later.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Toss in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Next, add the bell peppers and a pinch of salt. Sauté for 6-8 minutes until the peppers are tender and slightly caramelized. Their natural sweetness will shine through as they cook down.
Step 3: Cook the Sausage
Push the veggies to one side of the skillet and add the sliced beef sausage. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and heated through. The sausage adds a smoky, savory kick that complements the sweetness of the peppers.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Sprinkle the smoked paprika, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) over the sausage and vegetables. Stir everything together to coat evenly.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and a splash of the reserved pasta water. The sauce will become luxuriously creamy and flavorful. Adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss everything together. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little more pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Serve the pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Pair it with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
Helpful Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: Sturdy shapes like penne or rigatoni work best as they hold the sauce well and complement the chunky peppers and sausage.
- Make It Spicier: For those who like a kick, don’t shy away from doubling the crushed red pepper flakes or even adding a dash of hot sauce.
- Use Fresh Herbs: While parsley is a classic choice, you can also garnish with fresh basil for an aromatic touch.
- Don’t Skip the Pasta Water: This starchy liquid helps bind the sauce to the pasta, creating that velvety finish.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: Serves 4-6
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Diet: Can be made gluten-free with gluten-free pasta
Notes
- You can substitute beef sausage with chicken sausage or a plant-based alternative for a vegetarian version.
- If you don’t have heavy cream, a mixture of whole milk and a little butter works as a substitute.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 430
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pasta ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, cook the pasta fresh and toss it with the reheated sauce.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat the pasta gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce.
Can I freeze this pasta?
While the sauce freezes well, freezing pasta can make it a bit mushy when reheated. If you plan to freeze, store the sauce and pasta separately.
Related Recipes
If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other comforting pasta dishes:
Conclusion
Sweet Pepper and Beef Sausage Pasta is a dish that brings bold flavors and a touch of coziness to your dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or whipping up a quick weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to impress. With its vibrant colors and hearty ingredients, it’s the kind of dish that feels like a celebration with every bite. So grab a fork, dive in, and enjoy the comfort of this irresistible pasta!
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Sweet Pepper and Beef Sausage Pasta
Description
There’s something about a bowl of pasta that feels like a warm hug on a busy day. This Sweet Pepper and Beef Sausage Pasta combines simple ingredients into a dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and so easy to make. Sweet bell peppers lend a natural sweetness, while savory beef sausage brings a rich depth of flavor. Tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and a creamy, tangy tomato sauce, this dish has a little bit of everything: comfort, elegance, and simplicity.
For me, this recipe is a reminder of family dinners where everyone gathered around the table, sharing stories about their day. The smell of garlic sizzling in the pan and the vibrant colors of red and yellow peppers always spark memories of warmth and connection. This pasta is a perfect weeknight dinner idea when you want something satisfying yet straightforward.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite type)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), thinly sliced
- 12 oz beef sausage, sliced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining the rest. This will help you achieve a silky sauce later.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Toss in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Next, add the bell peppers and a pinch of salt. Sauté for 6-8 minutes until the peppers are tender and slightly caramelized. Their natural sweetness will shine through as they cook down.
Step 3: Cook the Sausage
Push the veggies to one side of the skillet and add the sliced beef sausage. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and heated through. The sausage adds a smoky, savory kick that complements the sweetness of the peppers.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Sprinkle the smoked paprika, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) over the sausage and vegetables. Stir everything together to coat evenly.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and a splash of the reserved pasta water. The sauce will become luxuriously creamy and flavorful. Adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss everything together. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little more pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Serve the pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Pair it with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute beef sausage with chicken sausage or a plant-based alternative for a vegetarian version.
- If you don’t have heavy cream, a mixture of whole milk and a little butter works as a substitute.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.