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Sweet Pepper & Sausage Pasta

Sweet Pepper & Sausage Pasta: A Creamy Weeknight Delight

Learn to make Sweet Pepper & Sausage Pasta, a creamy and satisfying dish perfect for weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 plates
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 ounces Pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine)
For the Sauce
  • 1 pound Italian Sausage mild or spicy
  • 3 cups Bell Peppers (mixed colors) red, yellow, and orange
  • 1 medium Onion
  • 3 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream substitute with half-and-half or milk for a lighter option
  • 1 can Crushed Tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese or nutritional yeast for dairy-free
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil for sautéing
Optional Garnishes
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Basil or Parsley chopped
  • 1/4 cup Extra Parmesan for serving

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • wooden spoon

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and add your choice of pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve about a cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add Italian sausage to the pan, breaking it into crumbles. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add sliced bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the onions are translucent.
  4. Pour in crushed tomatoes and heavy cream, stirring in Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer and let cook for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
  5. Add the cooked pasta back to the skillet with the sauce, tossing everything together. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
  6. Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot, garnished with extra cheese and fresh herbs.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 700IUVitamin C: 80mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This dish is customizable; feel free to add extra vegetables or substitute proteins.

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