This creamy pasta is rich, comforting, and packed with flavor. The sausage, bell peppers, and the perfect blend of cheeses make this dish irresistible! It’s an easy weeknight dinner that feels like a special treat, and you can adjust the seasonings to make it as spicy or mild as you like.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb sausage (Italian sausage or any sausage of your choice)
- 1 bag of pasta (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti are great options)
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 1/2 bell peppers, diced (any color you like—red, yellow, or green)
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup pasta water (reserve some from cooking pasta)
- Seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Cajun seasoning, creole seasoning, chili powder, salt, and pepper (adjust to your liking, typically 1/2 tsp to 1 tsp of each)
Directions:
- Prepare the sausage and veggies:
- Slice the sausage into rounds or small chunks, depending on your preference.
- Dice the bell peppers into small pieces.
- Cook the sausage:
- Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add in the sliced sausage and cook for about 4 minutes on each side or until browned. Sprinkle in your seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Cajun seasoning, creole seasoning, chili powder, salt, and pepper).
- Once the sausage is cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside.
- Sauté the bell peppers and garlic:
- In the same pan, add 1 tbsp of butter. Then, add the diced bell peppers and sauté for about 2 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Make the creamy sauce:
- Reduce the heat to low, and pour in 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream. Stir gently to combine. Once it starts to simmer, add in 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese in batches (so it doesn’t clump). Stir until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the cream.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or any spices you prefer.
- Combine with pasta:
- Add the cooked pasta straight from the pot into the creamy sauce. The pasta water will help the sauce stick to the noodles. Mix everything together.
- Sprinkle in 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese and stir until it melts into the sauce. If the sauce becomes too thick, gradually add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of pasta water until you get the desired consistency.
- Garnish and serve:
- Plate the pasta and garnish with extra parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for color and added flavor.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Q&A Section:
Q: What type of sausage should I use?
A: You can use any type of sausage you prefer—Italian sausage (mild or spicy), chicken sausage, or even turkey sausage. If you like more heat, go for a spicy sausage or add some extra chili flakes.
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes! You can use any pasta you have on hand—penne, rigatoni, fusilli, or spaghetti all work great. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta you choose.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: While the pasta is best when freshly made, you can make the creamy sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, cook the pasta and reheat the sauce before combining them.
Q: Is this recipe customizable for dietary restrictions?
A: Yes! You can make this dish lighter by using low-fat or dairy-free alternatives like coconut milk for the cream or dairy-free cheese. If you’re looking to make it gluten-free, choose gluten-free pasta, and make sure your sausage is gluten-free as well.
Q: How can I make this dish spicier?
A: To make this pasta spicier, you can add more Cajun seasoning, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce while cooking the sausage or sauce. Adjust the heat level to your liking!
Benefits of Creamy Pasta:
- Packed with Protein:
- The sausage adds a good amount of protein, making this dish more filling and satisfying. Protein is essential for muscle repair and overall body function.
- Rich in Calcium:
- Both parmesan and mozzarella cheeses provide a good source of calcium, which is important for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
- Colorful Veggies:
- The bell peppers add not only a pop of color but also vitamin C, which supports immune function and skin health. Bell peppers are also rich in antioxidants.
- Creamy Comfort:
- The heavy cream makes the pasta velvety smooth, which can be comforting and indulgent. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can substitute with milk or half-and-half.
- Customizable Seasoning:
- The seasoning mix allows you to adjust the spice level and flavors to your preference. This recipe encourages creativity, so you can tweak it to suit your taste.
Enjoy your creamy, comforting pasta with sausage and bell peppers! It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that can easily be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Perfect for a cozy dinner! 😋