Sausage and Pepper Pasta

This Sausage and Pepper Pasta Bake with creamy tomato sauce is an easy pasta bake that is full of flavor and super easy to make. Not only is it great for busy weeknights, it’s also a perfect freezer meal or make-ahead option.

Feel free to season with red pepper flakes to make things a little spicy, add extra veggies, or use a different type of cheese. And for a pasta bake with more meat and less veggies, you can also try our Ground Beef Pasta Bake.

Italian Sausage and Peppers Pasta Bake

When it comes to hearty comfort food, pasta bakes like this Sausage and Peppers Pasta recipe top my list. Not only are they hearty, flavorful, and delicious, they are also kid-friendly and can be easily prepped ahead of time.

For the sausage, any type of ground sausage or sliced Italian sausage will work great. You can even substitute ground beef, or ground turkey if you want. I like to use a variety of bell peppers to keep the dish colorful, but that’s completely up to you. 

If you love pasta bakes like we do, try our Slow Cooker Tortellini Pasta Bake, this Meatball Pasta Bake, or our Chicken Pesto Pasta.

Key Ingredients

• Pasta – you can use penne pasta, cavatappi, or whatever pasta you have on hand. Make sure to cook just to al dente so that it doesn’t become too mushy after it bakes in the oven.
• Sausage – you can use spicy hot or mild ground sausage for this recipe. Ground beef, or ground turkey would  work as well. If you prefer larger pieces, you can use Italian sausage cut or sliced into bite-sized pieces.
• Onions – you can use either white or yellow onions, cut into small ½” pieces.
• Bell Peppers – you will need three total bell peppers for this pepper sausage pasta recipe, cut into small ½” pieces. I like to use a variety of colors to make the dish colorful, but you could also just use one single color of pepper.
• Spaghetti Sauce – for the sauce, you can use your favorite spaghetti sauce, marinara sauce, meat sauce, or even diced tomatoes seasoned with Italian seasonings. For homemade versions, try our Roasted Marinara Sauce with Fresh Tomatoes in the summer, or The Best Homemade Marinara Sauce throughout the rest of the year!
• Cream Cheese – you’ll need one 8 ounce brick of cream cheese for this recipe. In order to mix it into the sausage and pasta mixture, you’ll want to cut it into ½” pieces. If you want to make it even creamier, you can add 2-3 tablespoons of heavy cream as well.
• Parmesan Cheese – use freshly grated or shredded Parmesan cheese, not the stuff from the can.
• Mozzarella Cheese – you’ll need a total of 1½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese. Half will go into the mixture and half will be sprinkled over the top before baking. 

How to Make Cheesy Pasta with Sausage and Peppers

1. Cook the pasta. Cook pasta to al dente, according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
2. Cook the sausage. Heat a large pot over medium heat and add the sausage. Brown the sausage while stirring until no longer pink. Remove cooked sausage, drain on a paper towel lined plate, and set aside.
3. Add the onion and peppers. To the same pan, add the diced onions, salt, pepper, and bell peppers with a tablespoon of olive oil. Cook over medium heat until the onions are translucent and the peppers are soft. 
4. Make the sausage mixture. Add the cooked sausage, spaghetti sauce, and cream cheese and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat slightly, stir to melt and mix up the cream cheese, then add the pasta, Parmesan cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix to combine. 
5. Assemble. Spray a 9″ x 13″ baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and add the pasta mixture, then top with the rest of the mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake. Bake uncovered in a preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is lightly golden and the sauce is bubbling. 
7. Serve. Remove from the oven and let cool for at least 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Sausage: Add some heat to your pasta bake by swapping out mild sausage for spicy sausage. You can also add some red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
• Vegetarian: you can use vegetarian sausage crumbles or skip the sausage altogether and add extra veggies like mushrooms.
• Three Cheese: Amp up the cheesiness of your pasta bake by using a combination of mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan cheese.
• Alfredo Sauce: Instead of using a classic tomato-based sauce, experiment with alfredo sauce for a creamy and indulgent twist.
• Add Veggies: Mix in some veggies like broccoli, spinach, or zucchini to add some nutrition to your pasta bake.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs to make this recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Meat-Lover’s: If you want even more meat in your pasta bake, you can add in some cooked bacon or ground beef.
• Italian Style: For a twist on classic sausage pasta bake, add in some Italian herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme.

Frequently Asked Question

Storing and Reheating

• Refrigerator: store leftover Sausage and Peppers Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: unbaked pasta bake can be covered and stored frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
• To reheat: you can reheat in a preheated 350 degree oven by adding a little extra spaghetti sauce or marinara sauce. Or, reheat a small portion in the microwave.

More of the Best Pasta Recipes

• Ground Beef Pasta Bake
• Homemade Lasagna
• Creamy Pesto Pasta Salad
• Buffalo Chicken Pasta
• Meatball Pasta Bake
• Chicken Spaghetti
• Slow Cooker Tortellini Pasta Bake
• Easy Crockpot Lasagna with Ravioli
• The Best Marinara Sauce
• More Pasta Recipes
• More Main Dish Recipes

This Sausage and Pepper Pasta recipe is an easy, hearty, and delicious pasta bake. It’s full of pasta, sausage, peppers, onion, and cheese in a creamy tomato sauce that’s baked until golden brown.