This recipe is a flavorful blend of savory Italian sausage, earthy spinach, and hearty pappardelle pasta, all coated in a rich, creamy sauce. It is a wonderful choice for a family dinner or a cozy date night at home. The addition of bacon and colorful bell peppers adds a beautiful and delicious complexity to the dish.
The ingredients for this recipe are mostly pantry staples, but there's a chance that you might not have pappardelle pasta or Italian sausage on hand. When you're at the supermarket, be sure to find them in the pasta and meat sections respectively. Also, this recipe uses a variety of bell peppers for added color and flavor. You can usually find these in the fresh produce section.
Sausage Pasta with Cream Sauce Ingredients
Heavy cream: Adds a rich and creamy texture to the sauce.
Italian sausage: Provides a savory and hearty base for the dish.
Spinach: A nutritious addition that brings a touch of earthiness.
Bacon: Gives a smoky flavor and a crispy texture.
Bell peppers: Adds a sweet and slightly tangy flavor, along with vibrant colors.
Stewed tomatoes: Incorporates a subtle acidity and sweetness.
Chicken broth: Helps to deepen the flavor.
Pappardelle: A type of pasta that's perfect for holding onto the sauce.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty and slightly nutty flavor to the dish.
One reader, Humfrid Mcvey says:
This sausage pasta with cream sauce recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are rich and comforting, and the cream sauce is just divine. The combination of sausage, bacon, and peppers creates a perfect blend of savory goodness. It's a must-try for anyone who loves a hearty, delicious meal.
Techniques Required for Making Sausage Pasta With Cream Sauce
How to fry bacon and remove from the pan: Fry the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan and place it on a paper towel to drain the excess grease.
How to remove sausage from casing and fry in bacon grease: Cut the sausage casing and remove the sausage. Crumble the sausage into the same skillet with the bacon grease and cook until browned.
How to add julienned peppers and cook for 5 minutes: Slice the bell peppers into thin strips. Add them to the skillet with the sausage and cook for 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
How to add spinach and cook until wilted: Add the spinach to the skillet and cook until it starts to wilt, stirring occasionally.
How to add chicken broth, tomatoes, and cream: Pour in the chicken broth, stewed tomatoes, and heavy cream, stirring until well combined.
How to add uncooked pappardelle and stir on low heat until pasta is tender and sauce is thick: Add the uncooked pappardelle to the skillet and stir on low heat until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
How to fold in bacon and serve: Crumble the fried bacon and fold it into the pasta. Serve and enjoy!
How To Make Sausage Pasta with Cream Sauce
This sausage pasta is cooked with vegetables like spinach and bell peppers for a balanced meal and made velvety creamy with a milky cream sauce.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1cupheavy cream
- 1½lbraw Italian sausage
- 10ozspinach
- ½lbbacon
- 1pcgreen bell pepper,julienned
- 1pcyellow bell pepper,julienned
- 1pcred bell pepper,julienned
- 14.5ozstewed tomatoes
- 16ozchicken broth
- 8ozpappardelle
- 5ozParmesan cheese
Instructions
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Fry bacon and remove from the pan. Drain grease.
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Remove sausage from casing and fry in bacon grease.
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Add julienned peppers and cook for 5 minutes. Add spinach and cook until spinach begins to wilt.
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Once the spinach is slightly wilted, add chicken broth, tomatoes, and cream.
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Stir until cream completely combined.
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Add uncooked pappardelle and stir on low heat until pasta is tender and sauce is thick.
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Fold in bacon and serve.
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Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 1480.67kcal
- Fat: 109.95g
- Saturated Fat: 46.87g
- Trans Fat: 0.08g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 44.11g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 12.35g
- Carbohydrates: 63.19g
- Fiber: 6.86g
- Sugar: 10.68g
- Protein: 59.38g
- Cholesterol: 275.71mg
- Sodium: 2471.71mg
- Calcium: 621.19mg
- Potassium: 1669.33mg
- Iron: 6.47mg
- Vitamin A: 734.81µg
- Vitamin C: 183.54mg
Expert Technique Tip for Perfecting Sausage Pasta With Cream Sauce
When frying the bacon and sausage, it's important to not overcrowd the pan. This allows each piece to cook evenly and achieve a crispy, golden brown exterior. Also, when adding the pappardelle to the sauce, ensure the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid for even cooking. If necessary, add more broth or cream to cover the pasta.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Sausage Pasta With Cream Sauce
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and measure out ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that allow you to cook everything in a single pot or pan to minimize cleanup.
Batch cooking: Prepare larger quantities and freeze leftovers for quick and convenient meals on busy days.
Efficient tools: Use kitchen gadgets like food processors and mandolines to speed up prep work and save time.
Substitute Ingredients For Sausage Pasta with Cream Sauce Recipe
heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream can provide a rich and creamy texture similar to heavy cream, while also adding a hint of coconut flavor to the dish. It's a great dairy-free alternative.
Italian sausage - Substitute with plant-based sausage: Plant-based sausages offer a similar savory flavor and texture, making them a suitable substitute for Italian sausage, especially for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet.
spinach - Substitute with kale: Kale can be used as a substitute for spinach, providing a similar earthy flavor and hearty texture, while also offering a boost of nutrients.
bacon - Substitute with smoked tofu: Smoked tofu can mimic the smoky flavor and crispy texture of bacon, making it a suitable substitute for a vegetarian or vegan version of the dish.
green bell pepper - Substitute with yellow bell pepper: Yellow bell peppers can be used as a substitute for green bell peppers, providing a slightly sweeter flavor and vibrant color to the dish.
yellow bell pepper - Substitute with red bell pepper: Red bell peppers can replace yellow bell peppers, offering a similar sweet flavor and adding a pop of color to the recipe.
red bell pepper - Substitute with orange bell pepper: Orange bell peppers can be used as a substitute for red bell peppers, providing a slightly milder sweetness and a vibrant hue to the dish.
stewed tomatoes - Substitute with canned diced tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes can be used as a substitute for stewed tomatoes, providing a similar texture and flavor while adding convenience.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can replace chicken broth, offering a savory base for the sauce while catering to vegetarian or vegan dietary preferences.
pappardelle - Substitute with fettuccine: Fettuccine can be used as a substitute for pappardelle, offering a similar wide and flat shape, making it a suitable alternative for the recipe.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast can provide a cheesy flavor and texture similar to parmesan cheese, making it a suitable dairy-free and vegan alternative.
Presentation Tips for a Delightful Sausage Pasta Dish
Elevate the plating: Arrange the sausage pasta with cream sauce in a circular motion, ensuring that the vibrant colors of the bell peppers and spinach are evenly distributed throughout the dish.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle finely chopped Italian parsley and basil over the pasta to add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor.
Incorporate texture: Consider adding a delicate sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs or crushed hazelnuts to provide a delightful crunch to each bite.
Utilize elegant serving ware: Present the dish on a sleek, white porcelain plate to create a stunning visual contrast against the rich, creamy sauce and colorful ingredients.
Emphasize balance and symmetry: Carefully position the pappardelle and sausage to create a harmonious balance on the plate, ensuring that each component is showcased beautifully.
Highlight the cream sauce: Use a small ladle to drizzle a touch of the luscious cream sauce around the edge of the plate, creating an enticing visual presentation.
Add a touch of sophistication: Consider placing a single edible flower, such as a nasturtium or pansy, as a delicate and refined finishing touch to the dish.
Create an inviting aroma: Just before serving, sprinkle a pinch of freshly ground black pepper over the pasta to release its aromatic essence and captivate the senses of the diners.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Sausage Pasta With Cream Sauce
- Frying pan: A flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning foods.
- Knife: A sharp tool used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Spatula: A flat, flexible tool used for flipping and lifting foods.
- Pot: A deep cooking vessel used for boiling, stewing, and simmering.
- Wooden spoon: A sturdy cooking utensil used for stirring and mixing ingredients.
- Grater: A tool used for grating cheese, vegetables, and other foods.
- Colander: A bowl-shaped kitchen tool with holes used for draining liquids from foods.
- Measuring cup: A tool used for measuring liquid or dry ingredients accurately.
- Tongs: A gripping tool used for lifting and turning foods while cooking.
- Whisk: A kitchen tool used for blending and mixing ingredients together.
Storage and Freezing Guidelines for Sausage Pasta With Cream Sauce
Allow the sausage pasta to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent the formation of condensation, which can lead to a soggy texture when reheated.
For short-term storage, transfer the cooled pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. When ready to eat, reheat the pasta in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened during storage.
To freeze the pasta, transfer the cooled dish to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the container with the date and contents, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
When ready to enjoy the frozen pasta, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat the thawed pasta in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the sauce appears too thick, add a small amount of chicken broth or water to achieve the desired consistency.
If you prefer, you can also freeze individual portions of the pasta in smaller containers or resealable plastic bags. This allows you to thaw and reheat only the amount you need, making it convenient for quick meals or lunches.
Keep in mind that the texture of the pasta and vegetables may change slightly after freezing and reheating, but the flavors will still be delicious. The cream sauce may also separate slightly, but stirring the pasta well during reheating will help to recombine the ingredients.
How To Reheat Leftover Sausage Pasta With Cream Sauce
- Reheat the sausage pasta in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until it's heated through. This method helps to preserve the texture of the pasta and prevent the cream sauce from separating or becoming greasy.
- If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it out and help revive the original consistency.
- For a quick and easy reheating option, place the leftover pasta in a microwave-safe dish and heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until it's heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the cream sauce to separate or become oily.
- To add a fresh twist to your leftover sausage pasta, sauté some additional vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms in a pan with a little olive oil, then add the leftover pasta and heat through.
- If you have a lot of leftover pasta, consider transforming it into a pasta bake. Transfer the pasta to an oven-safe dish, top with some extra parmesan cheese, and bake at 350°F (175°C) until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- For a crispy texture, reheat the leftover pasta in a skillet over medium heat with a little olive oil or butter. Stir occasionally until the pasta is heated through and slightly crispy on the edges.
- If you want to enjoy the leftover sausage pasta cold, allow it to come to room temperature and give it a good stir to redistribute the sauce evenly. Add some fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a bright, refreshing flavor.
Interesting Trivia About Sausage Pasta With Cream Sauce
Pappardelle is a broad, flat pasta, similar to fettuccine, commonly used in Tuscan and Emilian cuisine.
Is Making Sausage Pasta With Cream Sauce at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this sausage pasta with cream sauce recipe largely depends on the quality of ingredients used. While Italian sausage and parmesan cheese can be pricier, the dish's bulk nature makes it suitable for a household. The approximate cost for a household of four people would be around $25-30. Rating this recipe, I'd give it an 8 for its hearty, flavorful appeal and versatility in accommodating various dietary preferences.
Is Sausage Pasta With Cream Sauce Healthy or Unhealthy?
The sausage pasta with cream sauce recipe is a delicious and indulgent dish, but it is not particularly healthy. The recipe is high in saturated fat and calories due to the heavy cream, Italian sausage, bacon, and Parmesan cheese. While the dish does include some vegetables like spinach and bell peppers, the overall nutritional value is overshadowed by the high-fat ingredients.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace the heavy cream with a lower-fat alternative, such as half-and-half or evaporated milk
- Use turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork sausage to reduce the fat content
- Increase the amount of vegetables in the dish, such as adding more spinach, bell peppers, or other nutrient-dense options like zucchini or mushrooms
- Reduce the amount of bacon or replace it with a leaner protein, such as grilled chicken or shrimp
- Use whole wheat or legume-based pasta to increase the fiber content and nutritional value
- Decrease the amount of Parmesan cheese or opt for a lower-fat cheese like part-skim mozzarella
Editor's Opinion on the Sausage Pasta With Cream Sauce Recipe
This sausage pasta with cream sauce recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The richness of the cream sauce complements the savory Italian sausage, while the addition of bacon and bell peppers adds depth and complexity. The use of pappardelle pasta provides a perfect canvas for the luscious sauce to cling to, and the spinach adds a pop of color and freshness. Overall, this dish is a comforting and satisfying meal that is sure to impress anyone who tries it.
Enhance Your Sausage Pasta with Cream Sauce Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Sausage Pasta with Cream Sauce Recipe:
This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, featuring fresh and wholesome ingredients. The combination of succulent Italian sausage, crispy bacon, vibrant bell peppers, and tender spinach creates a harmonious medley of flavors and textures. The rich and creamy sauce, made with luscious heavy cream and savory parmesan cheese, elevates the dish to a whole new level of indulgence. With the addition of hearty pappardelle, this recipe promises a satisfying and comforting meal that will surely impress your taste buds. Trust in this recipe to deliver a delightful dining experience that celebrates the art of culinary craftsmanship.
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