Penne Rigate with Sausage Peppers and a Whisper of Cream

Penne Rigate Recipes Sausage Peppers with a Creamy Twist

By Fia MartinezAugust 23, 2025

Table of Contents

**Recipe Introduction: The Penne Rigate Recipes You've Been Waiting For!**

Fancy a bit of Italian comfort food recipes , but knackered after a long day? Honestly, me too! Ever wondered how to make a proper Sauce for Penne Pasta that's both quick and satisfying? Well, you've come to the right place, mate! This Penne Rigate with Sausage, Peppers, and a Whisper of Cream is an absolute winner.

It’s proper tasty, easy enough for a Weeknight pasta dinners , and the whole family will love it!

A Taste of Italy, Right 'Ere

This dish, inspired by the classic Italian American flavours, brings a taste of Little Italy straight to your kitchen. It's a bit rustic, like something your Nonna would whip up.

It's not just any Penne rigate with creamy tomato sauce . This family friendly pasta recipes clocks in at medium difficulty and only takes about 50 minutes from start to finish.

It serves six hungry bellies.

Benefits That Are Banging

This isn't just Pasta Easy Dinner it is a pretty good choice nutritionally. It packs a good punch of protein, thanks to the sausage.

It is perfect for a cozy night in, a casual dinner party, or just when you need something to warm the cockles.

What makes this recipe special? It's the whisper of cream that elevates it from good to Oh my gosh!

Ready to gather your ingredients? Let's dive in!

Right then, let's dive into what you'll need to whip up this belter of a Penne Rigate dish. It's proper Italian comfort food, but with a little twist to make it special.

You know? The kind that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside!

Gear Up: Ingredients & Equipment for Cracking Penne Rigate Recipes

Let's make sure you're stocked up. This Pasta Easy Dinner relies on a few key things. Don't worry, it's all pretty straightforward.

Main Ingredients

Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml). Go for extra virgin if you've got it. It makes a difference.
Italian Sausage: 1 pound (450g), sweet or hot. Good quality sausage is key. You want that proper Italian taste.
Onion: 1 large (approx. 200g), thinly sliced. Nothing too fancy here, just a good old onion.
Bell Peppers: 2 (1 red, 1 yellow), (approx. 150g each) seeded and sliced. They add a bit of sweetness and a pop of colour.
Garlic: 2 cloves (approx. 6g), minced. Oh my gosh! Garlic! Use fresh, trust me.
Dried Oregano: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml). Adds that rustic Italian pasta dishes feel.
Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) (optional, for heat). If you like a bit of a kick, chuck 'em in.
Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce) can (794g). Go for a good brand; you'll taste the difference in the sauce.
Tomato Sauce: 1 (15 ounce) can (425g). The base of your lovely Sauce for Penne Pasta .
Dry Red Wine: 1/2 cup (120 ml) (optional). A splash of red wine takes it up a notch. Use something you'd actually drink.
Heavy Cream: 1/4 cup (60 ml). Just a touch to make it extra lush.
Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup (30g) grated, plus more for serving. Proper parmesan, not that dusty stuff in a shaker.
Fresh Basil: Chopped, for garnish. Adds a fresh, herby finish.
Penne Rigate Pasta: 1 pound (450g). Obviously! But make sure it's penne rigate – the ridges are important for grabbing the sauce.
Salt: For pasta water, to taste.

Seasoning Notes

For this Penne sausage and peppers , Oregano and garlic are your best mates here. Red pepper flakes give it a little fire.

Feel free to sub dried herbs for fresh if that's what you've got.

Equipment Needed

Large pot or Dutch oven . Essential for simmering that lovely sauce.
Large skillet or saucepan . To brown the sausage and sauté the veggies.
Colander . To drain the penne rigate once it's cooked al dente.

Honestly, that's all you need. No fancy kit required. You could use a deep frying pan instead of a skillet if that’s what you have.

Now, let's get cooking! Remember, this recipe is all about flavour and family friendly pasta recipes , so don't be afraid to tweak it to your liking! Garlic Penne perfection awaits! It's one of those weeknight pasta dinners that everyone loves.

Alright, gather 'round, you lovely lot! Fancy whipping up some seriously tasty penne rigate recipes tonight? I've got just the ticket: Penne Rigate with Sausage, Peppers, and a Whisper of Cream .

Trust me, this is proper Italian comfort food recipes at its finest! Think Little Italy exploded in your kitchen, yeah? So easy to make

This isn't your fancy pants, Michelin star grub. This is what I'd cook for me best mates. Easy, delicious, and just the thing after a long day.

Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row

Essential mise en place is key, yeah? Chop your onion, slice those peppers, mince the garlic. Get everything ready before you even think about turning on the hob.

This will save you a ton of faff later. Seriously!

Time Saving Tips

Honestly, I often prep the veg in the morning. Just saves time when you get back from work knackered! Also, pre-crumbled sausage is a godsend.

Safety First

Mind those fingers when you're chopping! And don't be a plum, keep an eye on that hob.

step-by-step: Let's Get Cooking!

Right then, let's get cracking! This Pasta Easy Dinner is a winner!

Cook the Penne: Get a big pot of salted water boiling like a volcano. Chuck in your penne rigate and cook until al dente . That's usually around 8- 10 minutes . Don't forget to reserve about a cup of that starchy water before you drain the pasta. It is GOLD!
Brown the Sausage: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot. Brown that sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, of course. Set it aside, yeah? You'll want to make sure the sausage is cooked through!
Sauté the Veg: Add your onion and peppers. Cook until softened, like 5- 7 minutes . Chuck in the garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if you're feeling brave!), cook another minute until it smells heavenly.
Simmer Time: If you're using red wine, pour it in and scrape up all those lovely browned bits. Let it reduce slightly, about 2 minutes . Add your crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer for at least 15 minutes , or even 30 minutes if you can wait! Sauce for Penne Pasta really needs to get its flavour on!
Combine and Finish: Return the sausage to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan. Simmer for another 5 minutes , or until the sauce has thickened. Add the penne rigate and toss to coat. Use that reserved pasta water to get it just right .
Serve! Garnish with fresh basil and more Parmesan, because why not?

Pro Tips: Ace This Dish Every Time

Avoid the dreaded soggy pasta! Al dente is the way to go. Trust me, it makes all the difference.

Common Mistakes

Overcooking the pasta. It's a crime against Italian cooking! Also, forgetting to season properly.

make-ahead Magic

You can totally make the sauce a day ahead. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when you're ready to cook the pasta.

This Weeknight pasta dinners recipe will taste divine! You can use this as Penne sausage and peppers recipe. Give this rustic Italian pasta dishes a go, you wont regret.

Recipe Notes for Your Killer Penne Rigate

Alright, so you're about to whip up some amazing penne rigate recipes . Before you get your apron on, here are a few extra bits and bobs to make it spot on.

Honestly, these are the little things that elevate this dish from "good" to "shut the front door!".

Serving Suggestions: Show It Off, Mate!

Presentation matters, yeah? Don't just chuck it in a bowl! Think about plating it up nicely. A swirl of pasta, a generous dollop of sauce, a sprinkle of parmesan.

.. chef's kiss . And don't forget some fresh basil. As for sides, garlic penne needs good mates. Garlic bread is always a winner.

A simple green salad cuts through the richness. Grab a nice bottle of Chianti, and you're golden.

Storage Tips: Keep It Fresh

Got leftovers? No worries. This Italian comfort food recipes keeps well. Once cooled, bung it in an airtight container and into the fridge.

It will last 3-4 days . You can also freeze it. Portion it out, so you're not defrosting the whole thing.

Reheat in the microwave or on the hob. Add a splash of water or stock if it seems dry.

Variations: Make It Your Own

Fancy a change? This recipe is super flexible. Wanna cut back on the meat? Use a plant based sausage. You can easily turn this into one of your favorite family friendly pasta recipes .

Want a veggie option? Load up on mushrooms and courgettes. Sub the sausage with them. For a bit of heat, use hot Italian sausage, or add extra chilli flakes.

That's what i'm talking about! Remember: this works with Easy pasta recipes with sausage !

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite

This Penne rigate with creamy tomato sauce is filling and satisfying. It's a great source of protein, thanks to the sausage.

The tomatoes are packed with vitamins. But, like all good things, enjoy in moderation. It is pretty rich with the cream.

So maybe don't have it every night! But hey, life's too short to count every calorie, right? A decent and authentic sauce for Penne pasta is worth its value.

Did you know that approximately 75% of British households have pasta at least once a week? It's a staple, innit?.

So there you have it all the extra bits to make your weeknight pasta dinners legendary! Have a go at these rustic Italian pasta dishes .

Don't be afraid to experiment. I know you can nail it. Now get cooking and enjoy! Also keep in mind these recipes are compatible with Penne sausage and peppers .

You've totally got this! It's your Pasta Easy Dinner time!

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm a bit of a novice in the kitchen. Is this penne rigate recipe easy enough for me to tackle?

Absolutely! While the recipe has a few steps, it's designed to be approachable for beginner cooks. Just take your time with the chopping and follow the instructions carefully. Remember, even Jamie Oliver had to start somewhere! Plus, the delicious result is well worth the effort.

Can I make this penne rigate recipe ahead of time? I'm planning a dinner party and want to get a head start.

You definitely can! Prepare the sauce a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, simply cook the pasta, reheat the sauce, and toss them together.

Just bear in mind that the pasta will absorb some of the sauce as it sits, so you might need to add a splash of pasta water when reheating.

What's the best way to store leftover penne rigate with sausage and peppers? Will it still taste good the next day?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually meld together even more overnight, so it often tastes even better the next day! When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed and microwave until heated through.

I'm watching my waistline! How can I make this Penne Rigate with Sausage, Peppers, and a Whisper of Cream a bit healthier?

Great question! There are a few simple swaps you can make. Try using lean turkey sausage instead of pork, and consider using half and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also load up on more veggies like mushrooms or zucchini to increase the fiber content and reduce the portion size of pasta. Every little helps!

Are there any creative variations I can try with these penne rigate recipes? I'm looking to spice things up!

Absolutely! For a spicier kick, try using hot Italian sausage or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper. You could also add some roasted vegetables like eggplant or cherry tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist.

For a cheesier dish, stir in some mozzarella or provolone at the end and bake it until bubbly think of it as a pasta bake with a twist!

I don't have penne rigate pasta. Can I use a different shape for this sausage and pepper recipe?

No worries, you can absolutely substitute the pasta shape! Penne is preferred for its ridges, which grab the sauce, but other tubular pasta shapes like ziti or rigatoni would work nicely. Even rotini or fusilli (the spiral ones) would do the trick in a pinch.

The key is to choose a shape that can hold onto that delicious sauce!