Spicy Sausage & Roasted Pepper Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Spicy Sausage & Roasted Pepper Pasta is a flavorful, hearty dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. With spicy Italian sausage, sweet roasted peppers, and a creamy tomato sauce, it’s a crowd-pleaser that comes together quickly.

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)
• 1 lb spicy Italian sausage (casings removed)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup roasted red peppers (jarred or homemade, sliced)
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional for creaminess)
• Fresh basil (chopped, for garnish)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the spicy Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
4. Step 4: Add the sliced roasted red peppers, diced tomatoes with juices, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and simmer for about 5 minutes.
5. Step 5: If using, stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Step 6: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine. Add reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired sauce consistency.
7. Step 7: Serve the pasta warm, garnished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder dish, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
• Use sweet Italian sausage if you prefer less heat.
• Roast your own red peppers by broiling them until charred, then peeling off the skins for extra smoky flavor.
• Try swapping the heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
• Gluten-free or whole wheat pasta can be used to suit dietary preferences.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce and prevent drying out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, omit the sausage and add vegetables like mushrooms or eggplant for a vegetarian version. You can also use plant-based sausage alternatives.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

You can cook the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just cook the pasta fresh before serving to prevent it from becoming mushy.

Spicy Sausage & Roasted Pepper Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 50 reviews

• Author: Julian
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

A flavorful and spicy pasta dish featuring zesty Italian sausage and sweet roasted red peppers simmered in a savory tomato sauce, optionally enriched with creamy heavy cream, and garnished with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick yet satisfying weeknight dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 12 oz pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)

Meat and Oil

• 1 lb spicy Italian sausage (casings removed)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Vegetables and Flavorings

• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup roasted red peppers (jarred or homemade, sliced)
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Dairy and Garnishes

• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional for creaminess)
• Fresh basil (chopped, for garnish)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2. Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the spicy Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Then add the sliced roasted red peppers, diced tomatoes (with juices), Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and let simmer for about 5 minutes.
4. Combine and Finish: If using, stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes until heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
5. Serve: Serve the pasta warm, garnished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your delicious Spicy Sausage & Roasted Pepper Pasta!

Notes

• If you prefer a milder dish, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
• Heavy cream is optional; omit it for a lighter tomato-based sauce.
• Reserve pasta water is great to adjust sauce consistency and help it cling to the pasta.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
• For gluten-free, substitute pasta with gluten-free pasta alternatives.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: spicy sausage pasta, roasted pepper pasta, Italian sausage pasta recipe, creamy tomato pasta, weeknight pasta dinner