Description
Creamy Sausage Pasta with Garlic Bread
A rich and creamy pasta made with sausage, bell peppers, and a touch of spice, served with crispy garlic bread on the side. This is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
:
For the Pasta:
8 oz rigatoni or your preferred pasta
1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 yellow bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish
For the Garlic Bread:
4 slices of bread
4 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Salt to taste
Instructions
:
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Sausage:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart into crumbles, until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the diced bell peppers and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Make the Sauce:
Add the heavy cream and chicken broth to the skillet, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese and smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine the Pasta and Sausage:
Add the cooked sausage and pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce.
Prepare the Garlic Bread:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread butter on the slices of bread and sprinkle with minced garlic and chopped parsley. Season with a pinch of salt.
Bake the bread for 10-12 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
Serve:
Plate the creamy sausage pasta and garnish with fresh basil. Serve with the garlic bread on the side.
Enjoy your creamy and flavorful sausage pasta with garlic bread!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed steps for a foolproof meal. First, gather all ingredients and equipment: a large pot, a large skillet, and a baking sheet. Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) for the garlic bread. Start boiling heavily salted water for the pasta. As it heats, cook the sausage in the skillet. Once the sausage is done and set aside, use the same skillet for the peppers and garlic to build flavor. While the sauce simmers and thickens, prepare the garlic bread and place it in the oven. The bread and pasta sauce should finish around the same time. Finally, combine the drained pasta and sausage with the sauce, toss well, and serve immediately with the hot garlic bread.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty dish stands well on its own but can be elevated with simple additions. For a fresh contrast, serve with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. To make it more luxurious, top with extra grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. For a complete Italian-inspired spread, pair with a glass of medium-bodied red wine like a Chianti or a crisp Pinot Grigio. Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
How-to Summary
In short: Cook pasta. Brown sausage. Sauté peppers and garlic in the same pan. Create a creamy sauce with cream, broth, cheese, and paprika. Combine pasta and sausage with sauce. For the bread, butter slices with garlic and parsley, then bake until crispy. Serve together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat? Absolutely. Ground beef, turkey, or chicken sausage are excellent substitutes. For a vegetarian version, use plant-based sausage or hearty mushrooms.
How can I make this dish less rich? Substitute half the heavy cream with whole milk or additional chicken broth. You can also use half-and-half for a middle ground.
My sauce is too thin. How do I thicken it? Let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes. For a quick fix, create a slurry with 1 teaspoon of cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of cold water, then stir it into the simmering sauce.
Can I prepare any components ahead of time? Yes. You can cook the sausage, dice the vegetables, and mix the garlic butter a day in advance. Store separately in the fridge and assemble when ready to cook.
What if I don’t have smoked paprika? Regular paprika works, but you’ll miss the smoky depth. A small pinch of chipotle powder or a dash of liquid smoke can help replicate the flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Underseasoning the Pasta Water: The water should taste like the sea. This is your only chance to season the pasta itself.
- Crowding the Skillet: Cook the sausage in batches if needed to ensure proper browning, not steaming.
- Burning the Garlic: Add minced garlic to the pan only after the peppers have softened and cook for just 1-2 minutes until fragrant to prevent a bitter taste.
- Adding Cheese to a Boiling Sauce: Remove the skillet from direct heat or turn it to low before stirring in the Parmesan to prevent it from clumping or becoming greasy.
Conclusion
This creamy sausage pasta with garlic bread is the epitome of comfort food, combining savory sausage, a velvety sauce, and crisp, buttery bread. Its straightforward process yields impressive, restaurant-quality results perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering. By following the detailed guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can master this flavorful, satisfying dish that is sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation. Enjoy the process and the delicious meal!