Sausage and Pea Pasta Recipe
If you are looking for a vibrant, comforting dinner that comes together quickly yet tastes like you’ve been slow-cooking all day, then this Sausage and Pea Pasta Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Bursting with the sweetness of fresh peas, the savory punch of Italian sausage, and a creamy tomato sauce that hugs every bite of perfectly al dente pasta, this dish strikes the ideal balance between rustic charm and elegant simplicity. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug after a busy day, and it’s sure to have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Sausage and Pea Pasta Recipe plays a starring role, bringing unique flavors, textures, and colors to the dish. From the hearty sausage to the sweet burst of peas, these essentials are simple but come together to create something truly special.
- 1 pound dry orecchiette pasta: The little “ears” of orecchiette hold onto the sauce perfectly, but feel free to use any short pasta you love.
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Adds a fruity richness and helps develop flavor when cooking the sausage and onions.
- 1 small sweet onion, finely diced: Provides a gentle sweetness that balances the savory sausage.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds an aromatic depth that makes the whole dish pop.
- 1 pound sweet Italian sausage links, casings removed: Delivers rich, spicy flavor and protein, giving the dish its hearty foundation.
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano: Offers a mild herbal note, bringing a hint of Mediterranean warmth.
- ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Just enough heat to brighten the flavors without overpowering.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance every element.
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained: Provides acidity and a vibrant color base for the sauce.
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the sauce light and flavorful, preventing it from becoming too thick or heavy.
- ¾ cup frozen sweet baby peas, thawed: Adds a pop of sweet freshness and vibrant green color.
- ⅓ cup heavy cream: Creates a luscious, creamy sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving: The perfect salty, nutty finish to this comforting dish.
How to Make Sausage and Pea Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking your orecchiette pasta until it reaches a perfect al dente texture. The pasta should be tender but still slightly firm to the bite, ensuring it holds up well once mixed with the sauce. Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water just in case you want to adjust the sauce later!
Step 2: Brown Sausage and Sauté Vegetables
While the pasta cooks, heat your olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the finely diced onion and the sausage (casings removed), breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Allow the sausage to brown evenly, and the onions to soften, about 4 minutes. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for 20 seconds until fragrant. Drain the excess fat for a lighter dish. Finally, season with oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the savory flavors.
Step 3: Simmer Sauce
Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with their juice, along with the chicken broth. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and let the sauce cook down for about 5 minutes. This simmering allows the liquid to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld beautifully, setting the stage for the creamy finish.
Step 4: Add Peas and Cream
Stir in the thawed sweet baby peas and the heavy cream, mixing everything together carefully. Warm through so the peas are tender and the cream turns the sauce into a silky, inviting coating for the pasta. This step brings out a lovely contrast between the sweet peas and the rich sauce, making each bite a delightful experience.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Drain the cooked pasta and return it to the pot. Pour the sausage and pea sauce over the top and gently toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated. Serve immediately in shallow bowls and finish with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for that irresistible cheesy touch.
How to Serve Sausage and Pea Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Sausage and Pea Pasta Recipe, consider adding fresh garnishes like a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and fragrant brightness. A drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil or a few shavings of Parmesan can also add a lovely finishing touch that makes the dish feel extra special.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs beautifully with crisp green salads—think arugula with lemon vinaigrette—or a simple side of roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is always a crowd-pleaser, perfect for sopping up every last bit of that creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stylish twist, serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls garnished with microgreens or edible flowers for a splash of elegance. Alternatively, create a buffet-style meal and let everyone help themselves, which makes for a fun, casual dinner party vibe. Adding a glass of chilled white wine can complete the presentation wonderfully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover Sausage and Pea Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the flavors fresh, give the pasta a gentle stir after reheating and add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce feels too thick.
Freezing
This pasta reheats best fresh but can be frozen if necessary. Place leftovers in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to help maintain the texture of the peas and pasta.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and drying out. Add a little chicken broth, cream, or olive oil to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. Avoid microwaving directly as it may dry out the dish or make the peas mushy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this Sausage and Pea Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While orecchiette is great for catching the sauce, short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli works just as well. Choose your favorite or what you have on hand.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply swap the Italian sausage for a plant-based sausage or sauté vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers to provide heartiness and flavor.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for a dinner party?
You can cook the sausage mixture and the pasta separately ahead of time, then combine and warm everything together just before serving to keep it fresh and tasty.
How spicy is this Sausage and Pea Pasta Recipe?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a mild heat that complements the sausage without being overpowering. You can adjust or omit them depending on your spice preference.
What can I substitute if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a bit of flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce. For a lighter option, omit the cream and add an extra splash of chicken broth and a bit of cheese for creaminess.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage and Pea Pasta Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings together quick preparation with rich, comforting flavors. Whether you’re making a weeknight dinner or an inviting meal for friends, it’s one of those dishes that feels special without fuss. Go ahead and try it—you might just find it becomes your go-to recipe for every occasion!
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Sausage and Pea Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Sausage and Pea Pasta recipe is a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner that combines tender orecchiette pasta with savory sweet Italian sausage, sweet peas, and a creamy tomato sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a comforting and satisfying dish perfect for busy evenings.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound dry orecchiette pasta (or short pasta of your choice)
Sausage Mixture
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small sweet onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound sweet Italian sausage links, casings removed
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ¾ cup frozen sweet baby peas, thawed
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the dry orecchiette pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 9-11 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Brown Sausage and Sauté Vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sausage (with casings removed). Sauté, breaking up the sausage into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until the sausage is fully cooked and the onions are softened, about 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 20 seconds until fragrant. Drain off any excess fat from the pan. Season the mixture with dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Simmer Sauce: Pour the canned diced tomatoes along with their liquid and the low-sodium chicken broth into the skillet. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld.
- Add Peas and Cream: Stir in the thawed sweet baby peas and heavy cream. Mix well and warm through for a couple of minutes so the peas are heated and the cream is incorporated smoothly into the sauce.
- Combine and Serve: Add the drained pasta back into the pot or directly into the skillet with the sausage and sauce mixture. Stir well to combine everything evenly. Serve the pasta immediately in shallow bowls, topped with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the crushed red pepper flakes to ¼ teaspoon or more.
- You can substitute sweet Italian sausage with spicy Italian sausage if you prefer a little heat.
- Frozen peas can be substituted with fresh peas when in season for a sweeter taste.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free if needed.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
