Spicy Sausage & Roasted Pepper Pasta Recipe
Introduction
This Spicy Sausage & Roasted Pepper Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal. With spicy Italian sausage, sweet roasted peppers, and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes, it’s a crowd-pleaser that comes together in just 30 minutes.
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
- 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.
- Step 2: 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.
- Step 3: 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.
- Step 4: 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.
- Step 5: 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.
- Step 6: 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.
- Step 7: Serve the pasta warm, garnished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your delicious Spicy Sausage & Roasted Pepper Pasta!
Tips & Variations
- Use smoked sausage instead of spicy Italian for a milder flavor.
- For extra veggies, add spinach or zucchini when simmering the sauce.
- Swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
- Fresh roasted peppers can be substituted with jarred roasted peppers for convenience.
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 if it has thickened.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, this recipe works well with any sturdy pasta shape like penne, rigatoni, or even fusilli. Choose what you have on hand or prefer.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
You can freeze the pasta, but the cream sauce might separate upon thawing. For best results, freeze the sausage and pepper sauce separately from the pasta, then combine after reheating.
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Spicy Sausage & Roasted Pepper Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A flavorful and hearty Spicy Sausage & Roasted Pepper Pasta recipe featuring al dente pasta tossed in a savory tomato and roasted red pepper sauce with spicy Italian sausage. Finished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan for a perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and aromatic flavors.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)
Meat
- 1 lb spicy Italian sausage (casings removed)
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup roasted red peppers (jarred or homemade, sliced)
Canned Goods & Seasonings
- 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 & Garnishes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 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 the pasta and reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use. Set the pasta aside.
- Cook the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the spicy Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and cooked through.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the sausage and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Peppers and Tomatoes: Stir in the sliced roasted red peppers, diced tomatoes with their juices, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Combine everything well and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Combine and Finish: If using, pour in the heavy cream and simmer for another 2-3 minutes until heated through. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together to coat the pasta with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach the desired consistency.
- Serve: Serve the pasta warm, garnished generously with fresh chopped basil and grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your delicious spicy sausage and roasted pepper pasta!
Notes
- The heavy cream is optional and can be omitted for a lighter, tomato-based sauce.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
- Using jarred roasted red peppers saves time, but homemade roasted peppers will give a fresher flavor.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining the pasta to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: spicy sausage pasta, roasted pepper pasta, Italian sausage recipe, creamy pasta, spicy pasta, easy pasta dinner
