Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta

Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta: A Flavor-Packed Weeknight Delight

If you’re on the hunt for a quick and comforting dinner that’s bursting with flavor, look no further than this Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta. This dish combines the robust taste of Italian sausage with the sweetness of bell peppers, all enveloped in a creamy sauce that clings perfectly to bucatini pasta. It’s a meal that’s not only satisfying but also easy to pull together on a busy weeknight.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe brings together the savory richness of sausage and the creamy goodness of a velvety sauce, making it a standout in any pasta lover’s repertoire. The addition of fresh baby spinach adds a pop of color and a nutritional boost, while the slight tang from Dijon mustard elevates the cream sauce to a whole new level.

Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress with its comforting flavors and beautiful presentation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 8 ounces uncooked pasta (I used bucatini) 🍝
• 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, depending on your preference) 🌭
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 🫒
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped 🧅
• 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped 🌶️
• 1 medium yellow bell pepper, chopped 🌶️
• 1 tablespoon butter 🧈
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
• 1 teaspoon flour 🌾
• 1 cup heavy/whipping cream 🥛
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard 🌿
• 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach 🌱
• Salt & pepper to taste 🧂
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional, to taste) 🧀

Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a large, salted pot of water and cook the pasta al dente according to package directions. 🍝💧

2️⃣ Brown the Sausage:
In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the sausage meat, breaking it up as it cooks. This should take about 8-10 minutes. Once fully cooked, transfer the sausage to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess grease. 🍳

3️⃣ Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add olive oil, chopped onion, and bell peppers. Cook until the onion is lightly browned and the peppers are softened, about 7-8 minutes. 🧅🌶️

4️⃣ Make the Sauce:
Reduce the heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Once the butter has melted, sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously for about a minute. This helps thicken the sauce. 🧈🧄

5️⃣ Add Cream and Mustard:
Stir in the heavy cream and Dijon mustard, ensuring there are no lumps. The sauce will thicken quickly, so don’t cook it for more than a minute before proceeding. 🥛🌿

6️⃣ Combine Everything:
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet along with the fresh baby spinach. Stir to combine, allowing the spinach to wilt slightly. 🌭🌱

7️⃣ Toss with Pasta:
Before draining the pasta, reserve a couple of tablespoons of the hot pasta water. Add this to the skillet, then drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the sauce and the spinach is fully wilted. 🍝🌱

8️⃣ Serve and Enjoy:
Serve immediately, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle some freshly grated parmesan cheese on top. 🧂🧀

Quick Tips for Success

• Pasta Choice: Bucatini is perfect for this dish because of its hollow center, which catches the creamy sauce beautifully. However, feel free to substitute with your favorite pasta.
• Sausage Options: Italian sausage adds a robust flavor, but you can also use chicken sausage for a lighter version.
• Spinach: Baby spinach wilts quickly, but if you prefer a more substantial green, kale or Swiss chard would also work well.

Recipe Recap

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4

This Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors that will leave everyone at the table satisfied. So, grab your skillet and get cooking—dinner will be ready in no time!

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