There is something incredibly comforting about a dish that comes together quickly but feels like a warm hug on a plate. This Sausage and Pea Pasta Recipe is exactly that kind of meal: hearty, flavorful, and brightened with little bursts of sweetness from peas and tangy tomatoes. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend dinner, this dish offers a perfect balance of savory Italian sausage and tender pasta, all wrapped up in a luscious, creamy sauce that you will want to savor every bite of.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Sausage and Pea Pasta Recipe plays a crucial role, bringing together simple flavors that build into something truly satisfying. From the tender pasta to the sweet peas, every element contributes to taste, texture, and color, making it as delightful visually as it is on your palate.
- Orecchiette pasta (1 pound): The little ears of pasta catch the sauce beautifully, but any short pasta works well too.
- Extra virgin olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps soften the onions and sausage.
- Sweet onion (1 small, finely diced): Brings a gentle, natural sweetness that complements the sausage perfectly.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Elevates the flavor with its aromatic punch.
- Sweet Italian sausage links (1 pound, casings removed): The star protein that gives the dish a robust, savory backbone.
- Dried oregano (½ teaspoon): Offers an earthy, herbal note to the sauce.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (⅛ teaspoon): Just enough heat to keep things interesting without overpowering.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning at every step.
- Diced tomatoes (1 can, 15 ounces, undrained): Adds acidity and depth, balancing the richness of the sausage and cream.
- Low-sodium chicken broth (½ cup): Helps create a luscious sauce while keeping it light.
- Frozen sweet baby peas (¾ cup, thawed): Adds a pop of color and a burst of natural sweetness.
- Heavy cream (⅓ cup): Smooths and binds the sauce, making it wonderfully silky.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: A finishing touch that brings umami and a bit of salty tang.
How to Make Sausage and Pea Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the orecchiette or your chosen short pasta according to the package instructions until just al dente. This gives the pasta a bit of bite so it won’t get mushy once combined with the sauce. Drain and set aside, but hold on to some pasta water if you want to adjust the sauce later.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage and Sauté Vegetables
While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the finely diced sweet onion and the sausage (casings removed), breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Sauté together until the sausage is browned with no pink spots left and the onions have softened beautifully, about 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook it until fragrant—this happens quickly, in about 20 seconds. Then, drain off any excess fat from the pan to keep the sauce from feeling greasy. Season the mixture with dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and a couple grinds of salt and black pepper to bring the flavors together.
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce
Pour in the entire can of diced tomatoes with their liquid as well as the half cup of low-sodium chicken broth. Lower the heat, allowing everything to simmer gently. This helps the sauce reduce slightly and lets the flavors marry for about five minutes. You’ll notice the sauce starting to thicken and smell irresistible.
Step 4: Add Peas and Cream
Next, stir the thawed sweet baby peas into the pan, followed by the heavy cream. The cream softens the acidity of the tomatoes and adds a lovely silky texture to the sauce. Mix everything together gently and warm it through—just a couple of minutes will do to keep the peas tender and vibrant green.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Finally, add the drained pasta back into the pot or directly into the skillet with the sauce, whichever you prefer. Stir gently but thoroughly so that every piece of pasta gets coated with that luscious sausage and pea sauce. Serve it immediately while warm, topped generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for that lovely finishing touch.
How to Serve Sausage and Pea Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Sausage and Pea Pasta Recipe, fresh garnishes are a great idea. A handful of chopped fresh basil or flat-leaf parsley adds a refreshing herbal brightness. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper right before serving will also enhance the flavors beautifully. Don’t forget the Parmesan cheese on top — it’s the little sprinkle of magic that ties it all together.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully satisfying on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette, or some garlicky toasted bread to soak up every last bit of sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli also complement the pasta well with their fresh, slightly smoky flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining guests or just want to make the meal feel a bit more special, try serving the Sausage and Pea Pasta Recipe in rustic individual bowls or shallow pasta plates. Garnish each portion with a sprig of fresh herbs and a few whole peas on top for an Instagram-worthy presentation. Adding a small wedge of lemon on the side can invite your guests to add a little splash of brightness if they prefer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sausage and Pea Pasta Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it cools completely before sealing to preserve its flavors and texture. When stored properly, it still tastes fresh and delicious for quick lunches or busy nights.
Freezing
While you can freeze the pasta, it’s best to keep in mind that cream-based sauces may separate slightly upon thawing. If you plan to freeze, portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and adding a splash of broth or water if it seems dry. Avoid microwaving for long periods as it can make the cream separate. Reheating slowly helps keep the sauce creamy and the sausage flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use another type of sausage?
Absolutely! While sweet Italian sausage is ideal for this Sausage and Pea Pasta Recipe because of its flavor profile, you can swap in spicy sausage or even a chicken sausage for a lighter option. Just adjust the seasoning to balance the spice or mildness.
What if I don’t have orecchiette pasta?
No worries at all. Any short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle will hold the sauce nicely and work well for this recipe. Use whatever you have on hand for a versatile meal.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew cream alternative and use a dairy-free Parmesan-style topping. The sauce will still be rich and flavorful without the dairy.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
You can make a vegetarian version by replacing the sausage with plant-based sausages or sautéed mushrooms for a similar umami flavor. Increase the seasoning a bit to compensate for the missing savory sausage element.
How do I prevent the sauce from being too watery?
Simmering the tomato and broth mixture until it reduces slightly is key to avoiding a watery sauce. If the sauce still seems thin after combining with the pasta, allow it to cook a bit longer over low heat while stirring gently, or toss with a bit of reserved pasta water to achieve the perfect consistency.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the simplicity and soulfulness of this Sausage and Pea Pasta Recipe. It’s a perfect dish to pop together when you want comfort without a fuss, and it always feels like a little celebration at the dinner table. Give it a try soon — it just might become your new go-to pasta that everyone asks for again and again!
Print
Sausage and Pea Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Sausage and Pea Pasta recipe is a quick and flavorful weeknight meal featuring tender orecchiette pasta combined with savory sweet Italian sausage, sweet peas, and a creamy tomato sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a comforting dish topped with fresh Parmesan cheese that’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound dry orecchiette pasta (or short pasta of your choice)
Main Ingredients
- 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
- 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 pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown Sausage and Sauté Vegetables: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sausage, breaking up the sausage into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Sauté until sausage is cooked through with no pink remaining and onions are softened, about 4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 20 seconds. Drain off any excess fat.
- Season and Simmer Sauce: Season the skillet mixture with dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Add the canned diced tomatoes with their liquid and the low-sodium chicken broth. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for about 5 minutes to let the sauce thicken slightly.
- Add Peas and Cream: Stir in the thawed sweet baby peas and heavy cream. Mix well and warm through to combine all the flavors.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Return the drained pasta to the pot or skillet, and toss well with the sausage and pea sauce mixture until fully combined and heated through.
- Serve: Divide the pasta among shallow bowls and finish with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- For added heat, increase the crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
- You can substitute sweet Italian sausage with spicy Italian sausage or ground turkey for a leaner option.
- If fresh peas are available, they can be used instead of frozen for a fresher flavor.
- Use gluten-free pasta if a gluten-free version is desired.
- This dish can be prepared a day ahead and reheated gently on the stovetop; add a splash of broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much.
