Description
This one-pot creamy sausage and pepper pasta is a quick and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights. Ground Italian sausage is cooked with sautéed onions and red bell peppers, then simmered with short pasta in tomato sauce and chicken broth. Finished with rich cream cheese, this dish delivers a comforting, flavorful pasta in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced into half-moons
- 1 large red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Pasta and Liquids
- 8 ounces short pasta, such as penne, fusilli, or rigatoni
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Dairy
- 4 tablespoons cream cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage and Veggies: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and mostly cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
- Sauté Onions and Peppers: Add the sliced yellow onion and red bell pepper to the pot and continue cooking until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Add Pasta and Liquids: Stir in the dry short pasta, tomato sauce, chicken broth, and the remaining ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a low, steady simmer.
- Simmer Until Pasta is Tender: Cook uncovered, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly, approximately 14-19 minutes. If the liquid evaporates before the pasta is done, add a splash more chicken broth as needed.
- Finish with Cream Cheese: Stir in the cream cheese until fully combined and creamy throughout the sauce. Taste the dish and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving.
Notes
- Use mild or spicy Italian sausage according to your flavor preference.
- Keep stirring during simmering to prevent sticking and burning at the bottom of the pot.
- If you want a thicker sauce, cook a few minutes longer before adding the cream cheese.
- Can substitute cream cheese with mascarpone or ricotta for a different creamy texture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
