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Plate of Chicken Sausage Pasta with broccoli and grated cheese.

Creamy Chicken Sausage Pasta with Bell Peppers

A hearty and flavorful pasta dish featuring savory chicken sausage, colorful bell peppers, and a rich cream sauce that comes together in just 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 685
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 1 tbsp salt for pasta water
For the Main Dish
  • 1 lb chicken sausage sliced into rounds
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 1 large red bell pepper sliced
  • 1 large yellow bell pepper sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup white wine optional
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped for garnish

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • Wooden Spoon

Method
 

Cook the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of water to boil. Add salt and penne pasta. Cook according to package directions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Prepare the Sausage and Vegetables
  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced chicken sausage and cook for 4-5 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil. Add diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened.
  3. Add bell peppers and cook for 5 minutes until tender. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Create the Sauce
  1. If using wine, add it to the skillet and let it simmer for 2 minutes to cook off the alcohol.
  2. Pour in heavy cream, add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  3. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and add the drained pasta. Toss everything together, adding pasta water as needed to achieve desired consistency.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, use a good quality chicken sausage with herbs. You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version. Leftover pasta can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk.