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- 12 oz penne pasta - 1 lb Italian sausage - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced - 1 green bell pepper, sliced - 1 small onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced For this dish, I love using penne pasta because it holds sauce well. Italian sausage adds a rich, savory flavor. I choose a mix of bell peppers for color and sweetness. The onion and garlic bring a nice aroma and depth to the dish. - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese The heavy cream makes it rich and creamy. I use mozzarella cheese for its melty goodness. The Parmesan cheese adds a sharp flavor that balances everything. - 4 cups chicken broth - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish Chicken broth provides a base for cooking the pasta. Olive oil helps cook the sausage and veggies. I love using Italian seasoning for that classic taste. Finally, fresh basil leaves give a pop of freshness when serving. First, grab a large pot and pour in one tablespoon of olive oil. Heat it over medium heat. Once hot, add the Italian sausage. Break it into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want it nice and browned. Next, add one chopped onion and three minced garlic cloves to the pot. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes. The onions should turn translucent, and the kitchen will smell amazing. Now, it’s time to add color to the dish. Stir in one sliced red bell pepper, one sliced yellow bell pepper, and one sliced green bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes. They should start to soften but still have a bit of crunch. After that, pour in 4 cups of chicken broth. Bring it to a boil. Then, add 12 ounces of penne pasta and one teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine. Lower the heat and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 12 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is gone. Once the pasta is cooked, turn the heat to low. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Then, add 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and creamy. Finally, season it with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Enjoy the rich flavors and creamy texture of your Cheesy Sausage Pepper Pasta! To get the right pasta texture, check the cooking time. Penne pasta cooks well in about 12 to 15 minutes. Test it a minute or two early. You want it al dente, firm yet tender. For melting cheese smoothly, add it at the end. Turn the heat low after stirring in the heavy cream. Mix in mozzarella and Parmesan gradually. This helps avoid clumps and makes it creamy. Want more flavor? Try adding spices like red pepper flakes or smoked paprika. They can give a nice kick or depth to your dish. Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano can also boost taste. Choosing different types of sausage can change the dish too. Spicy sausage adds heat, while sweet Italian sausage gives a milder flavor. You could also try chicken sausage for a lighter option. For side dishes, a simple green salad works great. It adds freshness and balance to the meal. Garlic bread is another favorite. It complements the creamy pasta perfectly. When it comes to wine, a light red like Pinot Noir pairs well. It has a nice fruitiness that balances the rich flavors of the dish. A white wine, like Chardonnay, also works if you prefer white. {{image_2}} You can easily change up the recipe. If you need gluten-free pasta, use it instead of penne. This swap works well with any sauce. You can also switch the protein. Instead of Italian sausage, try chicken or turkey. Both options taste great and make the dish lighter. If you prefer a vegan dish, plant-based sausage is a great choice. Brands like Beyond Meat or Field Roast work well. For cheese, use dairy-free cheese made from nuts or soy. These alternatives melt nicely and keep the dish creamy and rich. Want some heat? Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. You can also throw in more veggies. Spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms add color and nutrition. Mixing different flavors keeps the dish exciting and fresh. Experiment with what you love! To keep your Cheesy Sausage Pepper Pasta fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure they seal tightly to keep out air. Store your leftovers in the fridge. They will last for about 3 to 4 days. Reheating pasta can be tricky. The best method is to use the stovetop. Add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. Stir gently over low heat until warm. You can also use the microwave. Cover the dish with a damp paper towel. This helps prevent it from drying out. If you have extra pasta, freezing is a great option. First, let it cool completely. Then, scoop portions into freezer-safe bags. Remove as much air as you can before sealing. Label the bags with the date. You can freeze it for about 2 to 3 months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above for the best results. Making Cheesy Sausage Pepper Pasta takes about 30 minutes total. - Prep time: 10 minutes - Cooking time: 20 minutes You can get all your ingredients ready in about 10 minutes. Then, cook the dish for around 20 minutes. This gives you a quick and tasty meal! Yes, you can use various types of pasta. Some good options include: - Rigatoni - Fusilli - Farfalle Feel free to pick your favorite shape. Just remember to adjust the cooking time if needed. You can easily make this dish healthier with a few simple swaps. - Use whole wheat pasta for extra fiber. - Choose turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage. - Replace heavy cream with a lighter option like Greek yogurt or low-fat milk. These changes will lower the calories and fat while keeping the taste delicious! This recipe for Cheesy Sausage Pepper Pasta is simple and delicious. We explored main ingredients like sausage, pasta, and fresh vegetables. I shared step-by-step cooking methods, with tips to enhance flavors and texture. You learned how to modify the recipe for dietary needs or preferences. Remember, proper storage and reheating tips can keep your meal fresh. Enjoy your cooking adventure! With practice, you’ll make this dish a family favorite.

Cheesy Sausage Pepper Pasta One Pot

Indulge in a mouthwatering Cheesy Sausage Pepper Pasta Delight that's perfect for any weeknight dinner! This creamy dish features tender penne pasta, savory Italian sausage, vibrant bell peppers, and gooey cheese, all cooked to perfection in just 30 minutes. It's a delicious meal everyone will love. Click through to get the full recipe and make this delightful pasta tonight!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz (340g) penne pasta

1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed

1 red bell pepper, sliced

1 yellow bell pepper, sliced

1 green bell pepper, sliced

1 small onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large pot over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once heated, add the sausage, breaking it into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.

    Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes until the onions are translucent.

      Stir in the sliced bell peppers and sauté for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.

        Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.

          Add the penne pasta and Italian seasoning, stirring to combine. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Cook for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

            Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream.

              Add the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until the cheese is melted and creamy.

                Season with salt and pepper to taste.

                  Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves on top.

                    Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 4-6