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how to make the best sausage and pepper pasta recipe
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5 from 1 vote

Sausage and Peppers Baked Pasta Recipe

This Cheesy Sausage Pasta with peppers and 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.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 374kcal
Author: The Carefree Kitchen

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces Pasta penne, cavatappi, or your favorite pasta
  • 1 pound Ground Sausage hot or mild
  • 1 medium Onion cut into ½" pieces
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • ¼ teaspoon Pepper
  • 1 whole Green Bell Pepper ½" dice
  • 1 whole Red Bell Pepper ½" dice
  • 1 whole Yellow Bell Pepper ½" dice
  • 24 ounces Spaghetti Sauce or marinara sauce
  • 8 ounces Cream Cheese cut into ½ inch chunks
  • ½ cup Parmesan Cheese grated
  • 1½ cups Mozzerella Cheese shredded (reserve half for sprinkling over the top)

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Cook pasta to al dente, according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
  • Heat a large saucepan over medium heat and add the ground sausage. Cook while stirring until the sausage is no longer pink. Remove cooked sausage, drain on a paper towel lined plate, and set aside.
  • 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.
  • 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 cooked pasta, Parmesan cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix to combine.
  • 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.
  • Bake uncovered in a preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is lightly golden and the sauce is bubbling.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool for at least 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 374kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 90mg | Sodium: 684mg | Potassium: 299mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 780IU | Vitamin C: 37mg | Calcium: 220mg | Iron: 1mg