Description

Hello, pasta lovers! If you’re a fan of rich, creamy pasta dishes, you’re in for a treat today. This creamy sausage and peppers pasta combines hearty Italian sausage with vibrant bell peppers, all coated in a luscious cream sauce. It’s a restaurant-worthy meal that’s quick and easy to whip up right at home. Whether you’re hosting friends or craving comfort food, this dish is sure to satisfy.

Ingredients

Scale

8 ounces uncooked bucatini pasta (or any pasta you prefer)
1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
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 cream
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
2 cups fresh baby spinach, packed
Salt & pepper to taste
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Optional substitutions:

Use chicken sausage for a lighter version.
Swap heavy cream for coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
Gluten-free pasta works well if you’re avoiding gluten.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bucatini or your preferred pasta until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve a bit of pasta water before draining.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the sausage from its casing and cook, breaking it into small pieces. Once browned and cooked through, transfer the sausage to a plate lined with a paper towel to drain excess fat.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add olive oil, chopped onions, and bell peppers. Sauté for 7-8 minutes, until the onions are translucent and the peppers have softened.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium. Add butter and garlic to the skillet. Once the butter melts, sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for about a minute. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, whisking to avoid lumps. Stir in the Dijon mustard.

Step 5: Combine

Return the sausage to the skillet and add the spinach. Stir everything together until the spinach wilts. Toss in the pasta, along with a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce. Mix well to coat the pasta with the sauce.

Step 6: Serve

Serve immediately with a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

For extra flavor, use spicy Italian sausage if you enjoy a kick.
If the sauce seems too thick, adding a little more pasta water can help achieve a silkier consistency.
Fresh spinach works best, but frozen spinach can be substituted if thawed and well-drained.