If you’re searching for the perfect weeknight dinner that is comforting, flavorful, and comes together in just 30 minutes, look no further than this Sausage and Pea Pasta Recipe. With juicy Italian sausage, sweet pops of green peas, a creamy Parmesan sauce, and tender pasta, every bite is cozy and completely satisfying. This dish is a surefire crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike, and its vibrant colors and incredible aromas have a way of bringing everyone to the table in record time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this Sausage and Pea Pasta Recipe is that it uses a handful of staple ingredients, each chosen for maximum flavor and texture. Every component plays a starring role, from the bold sausage to the delicate cream. Here’s what you’ll need—and why you need it:
- Pasta (12 oz penne or rigatoni): Both shapes are perfect for catching the creamy sauce and sausage crumbles in every bite.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): To give a fruity, rich base for sautéing the sausage and garlic.
- Italian sausage (1 pound, casings removed): The real flavor booster—choose your favorite (mild or spicy!).
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Adds aromatic depth and a little sharpness that balances the creamy sauce.
- Frozen peas (1 cup, thawed): For sweetness and gorgeous green color—an easy veggie win.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): The secret to a luscious, silky sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Nutty, salty goodness that melts right in for that signature Italian touch.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): To make all the flavors pop and balance out the richness.
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): A final sprinkle of freshness and color that brightens up every plate.
How to Make Sausage and Pea Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rapid boil. Drop in your penne or rigatoni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about half a cup of the pasta water before draining—this starchy liquid will help create the amazing creamy sauce later! Set your cooked pasta aside for now.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and sauté until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through. The rendered fat and caramelized edges are pure flavor magic!
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Reduce the heat slightly if needed, then add your minced garlic to the pan with the sausage. Let it cook just until fragrant—about 1 to 2 minutes—stirring so it doesn’t burn. At this stage, the kitchen will start to smell absolutely irresistible.
Step 4: Add the Peas
Toss in your thawed peas and give everything a good stir. Let them warm through for about 2 minutes. The peas not only add bursts of sweetness, but their color makes the dish look like spring on a plate.
Step 5: Creamy Sauce Time
Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, gently stirring it into the sausage and pea mixture. Watch as the sauce starts to come together into a rich, velvety base. The combination of cream and sausage is what makes this Sausage and Pea Pasta Recipe so decadent and comforting.
Step 6: Bring It All Together
Add your cooked pasta to the skillet, along with the grated Parmesan. Give it a few good tosses (or stirs) until every piece is coated and the cheese melts into the sauce. If you want a silkier texture or need to loosen things up, drizzle in a bit of your reserved pasta water, a little at a time. Taste, then season with salt and black pepper as needed.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Transfer the pasta to bowls or a big family platter, and finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley. Serve immediately and get ready for all the oohs and aahs!
How to Serve Sausage and Pea Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
This dish shines with a final flourish of chopped parsley for freshness and color. For extra richness, try a generous tangle of shaved Parmesan or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper if you like a hint of heat. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of good olive oil or a squeeze of lemon brightens everything up.
Side Dishes
Sausage and Pea Pasta Recipe is heartwarming on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. Add a loaf of crusty bread or warm garlic knots to soak up every drop of the sauce. Roasted veggies, like asparagus or broccoli, can also round out your Italian-inspired feast.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, pile the pasta high on a grand serving platter or portion it into individual bowls for a restaurant-style feel. You can top each bowl with a dollop of ricotta or scatter lemon zest for visual flair. For a family-style dinner, serve it straight from the skillet for rustic charm and easy sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sausage and Pea Pasta Recipe keeps surprisingly well. Let the pasta cool slightly, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld even further overnight, making for a delicious next-day lunch.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, cool the dish completely and portion it into freezer-safe containers. While pasta with cream sauce can change texture a bit once thawed, this recipe still works well for make-ahead meals. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of milk or even a little reserved pasta water and warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. This brings back the creamy texture and prevents the pasta from drying out. For single servings, the microwave also works—just be sure to stir halfway through.
FAQs
Can I use another type Main Course
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in spicy sausage for extra kick, or opt for chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter spin. Each will bring its own character to the Sausage and Pea Pasta Recipe.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta. Most shapes work well since the sauce is naturally gluten-free and clings beautifully to any pasta base.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
If you want a lighter sauce, you can substitute half-and-half or even whole milk. The sauce will be a bit thinner but still deliciously creamy. Try adding an extra tablespoon of Parmesan for extra richness.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Baby spinach, arugula, or chopped sun-dried tomatoes all make excellent additions. Toss them in along with the peas, or add greens in the final minute so they just wilt into the sauce.
How can I make the Sausage and Pea Pasta Recipe spicier?
If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sausage while it browns, or serve with a dash of hot sauce. Spicy Italian sausage also does the trick!
Final Thoughts
This Sausage and Pea Pasta Recipe brings together the best of comfort food with minimal fuss and all the flavor. Whether it’s a quick weeknight meal or the centerpiece of a cozy dinner with friends, I can’t recommend it highly enough—give it a try and watch it become a new favorite in your kitchen too!
Print
Sausage and Pea Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and creamy pasta dish featuring savory Italian sausage, sweet peas, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce. This Sausage and Pea Pasta Recipe is a quick and delicious option for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)
Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup frozen peas (thawed)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Sauté Sausage: Brown sausage in olive oil, breaking it up as it cooks. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add Peas and Cream: Stir in peas, then pour in heavy cream. Simmer.
- Combine and Serve: Mix in pasta and Parmesan cheese. Adjust consistency with pasta water. Season and garnish with parsley.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter version.
- Add red pepper flakes for heat or stir in baby spinach for extra greens.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
