This Sausage and Pea Pasta recipe is a delicious and satisfying dish that’s ready in just 20 minutes! Tender pasta is tossed with a creamy tomato sauce, flavorful Italian sausage, and sweet peas for a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful: The combination of Italian sausage, a creamy tomato sauce, and sweet peas creates a delicious and balanced flavor profile.
Quick and easy: This recipe comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
One-pan meal: Less cleanup, more time to enjoy your dinner!
Versatile: You can easily customize the pasta shape and vegetables to your liking.

Ingredients for Sausage and Pea Pasta

This recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients to create a flavorful and satisfying pasta dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

Orecchiette Pasta: A small, ear-shaped pasta that holds the sauce well. You can substitute with other short pasta shapes, such as penne or rotini.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: For sautéing the sausage and vegetables.
Sweet Onion: Adds a savory base and sweetness to the dish.
Garlic: Adds a pungent flavor.
Sweet Italian Sausage Links: Removed from their casings for easy cooking.
Dried Oregano: Adds a fragrant, herbal note.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a touch of heat.
Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Enhance the overall taste.
Diced Tomatoes: Adds acidity and sweetness to the sauce.
Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Adds depth of flavor to the sauce.
Frozen Sweet Baby Peas: Thawed before using.
Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creaminess to the sauce.
Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: For serving.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

How to Make Sausage and Pea Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orecchiette pasta (or your preferred short pasta) and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage and 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. Sauté, breaking up the sausage into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until the sausage is browned and the onions are softened. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Drain off any excess fat. Season with dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Add the diced tomatoes (undrained) and chicken broth to the skillet. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.

Step 4: Add the Peas and Cream

Stir in the thawed peas and heavy cream. Cook until heated through.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sausage and sauce. Toss to combine. Serve immediately in shallow bowls with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Pasta: You can use any type of short pasta you like, such as penne, rotini, or farfalle.
Sausage: You can use spicy Italian sausage if you prefer a spicier dish.
Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the sauce, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.

How to Serve Sausage and Pea Pasta

Weeknight dinner: This pasta dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
Casual gathering: It’s also a great option for a casual get-together or potluck.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Sausage and Pea Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the sausage and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cook the pasta and combine with the sauce just before serving.

Can I freeze this recipe?
It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh, as freezing and thawing can affect the texture of the pasta.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can! Simply omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add more vegetables, such as broccoli or cauliflower.

Can I make this recipe spicier?
Yes, you can add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.

There you have it! A simple and delicious recipe for Sausage and Pea Pasta. I hope you enjoy it!