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
Scale
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
