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
Scale
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.
