Description

Craving a comforting, quick dinner idea that’s packed with flavor? This *Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta* is the ultimate weeknight hero. Made with Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, rigatoni, and a luscious tomato cream sauce, it’s a rich and satisfying dish that feels like something you’d get at a cozy Italian trattoria—but made in under an hour. Whether you’re searching for easy dinner ideas, pasta night inspiration, or hearty food ideas the whole family will enjoy, this easy recipe is a keeper.

Ingredients

12 oz rigatoni pasta

1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)

1 red bell pepper, sliced thin

1 yellow bell pepper, sliced thin

1 medium yellow onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

14.5 oz can diced tomatoes (with juices)

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

1/2 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.

2. In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sausage, breaking it apart. Cook until browned. Remove and set aside.

3. Add remaining olive oil. Sauté onions and bell peppers for 5–6 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute.

4. Stir in tomato paste to coat vegetables. Add diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer 5 minutes.

5. Reduce heat. Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

6. Return sausage to skillet and stir in pasta. Use pasta water to loosen sauce if needed.

7. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve warm.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the creamiest sauce texture.

Don’t skip the pasta water—it helps create a silky, cohesive sauce.

Browning the sausage well brings deeper flavor to the final dish.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 620
Sugar: 6
Sodium: 890
Fat: 35
Saturated Fat: 15
Unsaturated Fat: 16
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 50
Fiber: 4
Protein: 25
Cholesterol: 85

Keywords: easy dinner, sausage pasta, creamy pasta, pasta night, rigatoni with sausage, peppers and cream