Description
A hearty and flavorful Italian-inspired dish combining penne pasta with savory bulk Italian sausage, sautéed peppers and onions, diced tomatoes, garlic, and a creamy butter and heavy cream sauce. Topped with grated Parmesan and red pepper flakes for a perfect balance of richness and spice, this comforting meal comes together quickly in one skillet.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz. penne pasta
Sausage and Vegetables
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 lb. bulk Italian sausage
- 1 cup yellow onion, diced
- 1 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 1 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes, partially drained
- 4-5 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp. coarse kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp. pepper
Sauce and Garnish
- 4 Tbsp. butter
- 2/3 cup heavy cream
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Red pepper flakes, for serving
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sauté Sausage and Vegetables: While the pasta cooks, heat a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add olive oil, then add Italian sausage, diced onions, and green bell peppers. Break up the sausage with a large spoon as it cooks. Continue until the meat is no longer pink and the vegetables are slightly softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the partially drained diced tomatoes, finely minced garlic, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix well and cook for another 2-3 minutes to blend flavors.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the sausage and vegetable mixture. Then stir in the butter and heavy cream. Mix until the butter has melted and the sauce is creamy and coats all the pasta evenly.
- Serve: Spoon the pasta onto plates or into bowls. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Partially draining the canned tomatoes helps prevent the sauce from becoming too watery.
- Use bulk Italian sausage for easy crumbling, or remove sausages from casings if desired.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for preferred spice level.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese enhances the flavor more than pre-grated varieties.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
