If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that comes together with ease, this One Pot Italian Sausage and Peppers Pasta Recipe is an absolute game changer. It’s the perfect blend of savory Italian sausage, sweet roasted red peppers, tender pasta, and creamy tomato sauce—all cooked in a single pot to save you time without sacrificing any flavor. Whether you’re whipping up a family dinner or need a fuss-free dish for busy weeknights, this recipe delivers rich, cozy vibes and bright, satisfying textures that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping things simple is the secret to any great dish, and here the ingredients are straightforward but pack a punch in flavor and texture. Each one plays a key role: the Italian sausage brings spice and richness, the peppers add sweetness and color, while the cheeses melt into a creamy finish that hugs every bite.
- Ground Italian sausage: Use a good-quality sausage for bold, authentic flavor with just the right amount of spice.
- Chopped onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when browned with the sausage.
- Minced garlic: Provides aromatic warmth that elevates the entire dish.
- Chicken broth: This forms the flavorful base liquid that cooks the pasta perfectly.
- Tomato basil pasta sauce: Brings a tangy, herby tomato essence that complements the sausage beautifully.
- Half-and-half (or heavy cream/evaporated milk): Creates a luscious creaminess to balance the acidity and spice.
- Uncooked penne pasta: Holds up well in the sauce and soaks up all the savory goodness.
- Roasted red peppers: Adds a sweet, smoky pop of color and flavor to every forkful.
- Cream cheese: Melts smoothly into the sauce, making it irresistibly rich and silky.
- Grated parmesan cheese: Finishes the dish with a salty, nutty bite that ties everything together.
How to Make One Pot Italian Sausage and Peppers Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage, Onion, and Garlic
Start by heating a large, deep skillet or a wide pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the ground Italian sausage, chopped onion, and minced garlic, then let them sizzle and brown together. This step is crucial because browning the meat not only adds incredible flavor but also creates a caramelized base that the rest of the dish builds on. Keep breaking up the sausage as it cooks, allowing the onions to soften and the garlic to become fragrant.
Step 2: Add the Liquids and Pasta
Once your sausage is browned and everything smells amazing, stir in the chicken broth, tomato basil pasta sauce, and half-and-half. Bring this mixture to a boil; then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Now it’s time to add the star starch—uncooked penne pasta—and the colorful roasted red peppers. Stir everything together to combine, making sure the pasta is fully submerged so it cooks evenly as it absorbs those delicious flavors.
Step 3: Simmer Until Pasta is Tender
Simmer this hearty mixture over medium heat for about five minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom. After this initial phase, cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low. Continue cooking for a few more minutes, checking and stirring every so often until the pasta is perfectly tender. This usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes longer than the package instructions for al dente, giving the pasta just enough time to soak up the sauce’s richness without getting mushy.
Step 4: Stir in Cream Cheese and Parmesan
Once the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly, remove the pot from heat. Stir in the cream cheese and grated parmesan until melted and creamy. This finishing touch transforms the dish, giving it a velvety texture and deep, cheesy flavor that’s utterly comforting. Serve this piping hot for the best experience.
How to Serve One Pot Italian Sausage and Peppers Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To add a fresh, bright contrast, sprinkle the finished pasta with chopped fresh basil or parsley. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can amp up the flavor profile even more. These simple garnishes add personality without overpowering the rich, creamy sauce.
Side Dishes
This One Pot Italian Sausage and Peppers Pasta Recipe is quite satisfying on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or garlic bread can round out the meal beautifully. The salad provides a refreshing crunch, while warm bread is perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style dinner, bring the pot directly to the table so everyone can serve themselves—this keeps it casual and cozy. If you’re entertaining, you can portion the pasta into individual shallow bowls and garnish each with a sprig of fresh herbs and a light sprinkle of parmesan for a pop of color and elegance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because this dish contains dairy and pasta, keeping it cool and sealed tight preserves the creamy texture and rich flavors.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, the creamy sauce might separate a bit upon thawing, so it’s best to freeze this dish only if necessary. Use a freezer-safe container, leaving some space to allow for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce and help restore creaminess. Avoid overheating to keep the sausage tender and the sauce silky.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne works great for holding the sauce, you can substitute with rigatoni, rotini, or even fusilli. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly.
Is it okay to substitute turkey sausage for the Italian sausage?
Yes, turkey sausage is a lighter alternative that works well if you want to reduce fat. Just choose a flavorful Italian-style turkey sausage to keep the taste authentic.
What can I use if I don’t have cream cheese?
If cream cheese isn’t on hand, you can replace it with mascarpone or a bit more parmesan cheese for creaminess, though mascarpone will give a richer texture.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, swap the Italian sausage for plant-based sausage or hearty mushrooms. You might want to add extra seasoning to punch up the flavor.
How spicy is the One Pot Italian Sausage and Peppers Pasta Recipe?
The heat level depends on the Italian sausage brand you use. Mild Italian sausage keeps it gentle, while spicy sausage adds a nice kick. You can also adjust with red pepper flakes to taste.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to impress with minimal effort, this One Pot Italian Sausage and Peppers Pasta Recipe is the perfect choice. It’s foolproof, flavorful, and absolutely satisfying in every bite. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will quickly become your go-to dinner for busy nights and happy gatherings alike. So grab your pot and dig in—you’re in for a treat!
Print
One Pot Italian Sausage and Peppers Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This One Pot Italian Sausage and Peppers Pasta is a hearty, comforting dish combining savory Italian sausage, roasted red peppers, and penne pasta all cooked together in a creamy tomato basil sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s rich in flavor and easy to clean up.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- 1 cup chopped onion (about 1 medium)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (12-oz) jar roasted red peppers, drained and diced
Liquids and Sauces
- 3 cups chicken broth (or more as needed)
- 12 oz tomato basil pasta sauce (half of a 24-oz jar)
- 1 cup half-and-half (fat free if desired; or heavy cream; or evaporated milk)
Pasta and Cheese
- 12 oz penne pasta (uncooked)
- 2 oz cream cheese (about 1/4 of a Philly brick)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Brown meat: Add the ground Italian sausage, chopped onion, and minced garlic to a large, deep skillet or wide pot with at least 3.5 quarts capacity. Cook over medium-high heat until the sausage is browned and crumbled and the onions are softened.
- Add liquids and pasta: Stir in chicken broth, tomato basil pasta sauce, and half-and-half. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Add the uncooked penne pasta and the diced roasted red peppers, stirring to combine.
- Cook: Let the pasta simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cover the pot with a lid, reduce heat to medium-low, and continue cooking. Stir every few minutes to ensure even cooking and to prevent sticking. Cook until pasta is tender, approximately 3 to 5 minutes longer than the pasta package instructions.
- Finish and serve: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in cream cheese and grated parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy. Let rest for 1-2 minutes, then serve immediately for best flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream or evaporated milk for the half-and-half for a richer sauce.
- If the pasta absorbs too much liquid before cooking through, add more chicken broth a little at a time.
- For a spicier dish, use hot Italian sausage instead of mild.
- Make sure to stir frequently during simmering to prevent pasta from sticking or burning on the bottom.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for best flavor and texture.
