Sausage & Cream Pasta

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sausage Base

   6 min hands-on

   • Heat a large pan over medium heat. Break the sausages into small chunks and add them to the pan.
   • Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to brown and release their juices.
   • Sprinkle paprika and chili powder over the sausages. Stir well to coat.

2. Incorporate the Vegetables

   8 min hands-on

   • Chop the yellow sweet pepper into bite-sized cubes and add to the pan. Stir to coat in the spiced oil.
   • Cook for 4–5 minutes until the peppers begin to soften slightly.
   • Dice the tomatoes into small chunks and add to the pan. Stir frequently and cook for another 3–4 minutes until the tomatoes start to break down.

3. Add Aromatics

   2 min hands-on

   • Mince the garlic and add it to the pan along with cayenne pepper.
   • Stir and cook for 1–2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.

4. Cook the Pasta

   2 min hands-on10 min waiting

   • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt.
   • Cook the whole-grain pasta until al dente according to package instructions.
   • Drain the pasta and set aside.

5. Create the Creamy Sauce

   2 min hands-on

   • Lower the heat under the sausage and vegetable mixture to medium-low.
   • Stir in distilled vinegar and cream cheese until combined.
   • Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir in freshly chopped basil, saving a small amount for garnish.

6. Combine Pasta and Sauce

   1 min hands-on2 min waiting

   • Add the cooked pasta directly into the pan with the sauce.
   • Toss everything together to ensure the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy, spiced mixture.
   • Let it cook for 1–2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

7. Final Touch and Serve

   2 min hands-on

   • Divide the pasta into serving bowls or plates.
   • Garnish with the reserved fresh basil. Serve immediately while hot.
   • Cooking tips:
   • For added depth of flavor, lightly roast the peppers before adding them to the pan.
   • If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the pasta cooking water to thin it out while keeping it creamy.
   • Adjust the spiciness by increasing or decreasing the amount of cayenne pepper or chili powder.
   • For a more indulgent dish, sprinkle grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano over the finished pasta.