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Creamy Sausage Red Pepper Pasta

Creamy Sausage Red Pepper Pasta for Fast Flavorful Dinners

A quick and delicious Creamy Sausage Red Pepper Pasta that's perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil or vegetable oil
  • 12 ounces Dried Penne Pasta or fusilli/rigatoni
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion chopped, or shallots
  • 8 ounces Cremini Mushrooms sliced, or white button mushrooms
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced, or garlic powder
  • 3 cups Water for cooking the pasta
  • 1 pound Spicy Italian Sausage or mild sausage if preferred
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup Roasted Red Pepper Sauce ready-made can save time
  • ½ cup Heavy Cream or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free
  • 2 cups Baby Spinach or kale/other leafy greens
  • ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese omit or substitute with nutritional yeast for vegan

Equipment

  • large skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering, about 1-2 minutes.
  2. Add the spicy Italian sausage, breaking it into chunks, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until browned.
  3. In the same skillet, sauté the chopped yellow onion for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.
  4. Stir in the sliced cremini mushrooms and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until they begin to brown.
  5. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until aromatic.
  6. Incorporate the dried penne pasta and water, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover for 10-15 minutes.
  7. Once the pasta is cooked, return the browned sausage to the skillet, and stir in the roasted red pepper sauce and heavy cream.
  8. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, then fold in the baby spinach and cook until wilted.
  9. Season with salt and pepper, and serve hot garnished with freshly grated parmesan cheese.

Notes

Consider adding fresh herbs or red pepper flakes for additional flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.