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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
