If you’re searching for a comforting and vibrant pasta dish that marries savory sausage with sweet bursts of peas, look no further. This Sausage and Pea Pasta Recipe delivers bright flavors, creamy textures, and a satisfying heartiness that’s perfect for any night of the week. With its vibrant colors and comforting warmth, it’s the kind of plateful that feels like a hug from the inside out.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is easier than you might think, and each one plays a crucial role in bringing this dish to vibrant life. From tender pasta shapes to the savory kick of Italian sausage, the fresh sweetness of peas, and creamy Parmesan topping, every element is essential for texture, flavor, and balance.
- 1 pound dry orecchiette pasta: Classic small pasta that holds sauce beautifully, but any short pasta works.
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and a subtle fruity aroma to your sauté.
- 1 small sweet onion, finely diced: Brings mild sweetness and depth to the sauce base.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and subtle heat.
- 1 pound sweet Italian sausage links, casings removed: The star protein, packed with herbs and great flavor.
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano: Earthy and herbal note to complement the sausage.
- â…› teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Just a touch for gentle heat and complexity.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential seasoning to brighten and balance flavors.
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained: Adds a tangy, juicy base for the sauce.
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the sauce light and flavorful without overpowering.
- ¾ cup frozen sweet baby peas, thawed: Pops of natural sweetness and lovely green color.
- â…“ cup heavy cream: Creams the sauce for that irresistible silky texture.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving: The perfect salty finish that melts into every bite.
How to Make Sausage and Pea Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta to Al Dente Perfection
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. The salt in the water seasons the pasta from the inside out, which is key to building layers of flavor. Cook your orecchiette (or chosen pasta) according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, meaning tender but with a slight bite. This texture ensures the pasta won’t get mushy when combined with the saucy mixture later.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Sausage for a Flavorful Base
While your pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the finely diced sweet onion along with the removed sausage meat. Break the sausage into small pieces as it cooks, allowing it to brown beautifully and release all those herb-infused juices. After about 4 minutes, once the sausage is cooked through and the onions are tender, stir in the minced garlic. Cook it just long enough—about 20 seconds—for it to become fragrant without burning. This step builds the backbone of flavor in the dish. Drain off excess fat to keep the sauce from becoming greasy.
Step 3: Simmer Tomatoes and Broth to Create a Delicious Sauce
Add the entire can of diced tomatoes, including the liquid, along with chicken broth to the skillet. This combination provides a bright and slightly tangy base. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and let everything bubble away for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. This time allows the flavors to meld and for the liquid to reduce just enough to cling perfectly to the pasta.
Step 4: Add Peas and Cream for Sweetness and Silkiness
Next, fold in the thawed sweet baby peas, which add incredible bursts of juicy sweetness and a gorgeous pop of green. Then pour in the heavy cream, stirring to warm everything through and create a luscious, silky sauce. This is where the dish truly comes together—rich, comforting, and vibrant all at once.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce, Then Serve with Parmesan
Drain your cooked pasta and return it to the pot. Pour the sausage and pea sauce over the pasta and gently stir until every piece is coated in that creamy, flavorful mixture. Serve immediately by ladling into shallow bowls and finishing with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The salty, nutty cheese melts into the pasta, elevating every forkful to pure comfort food bliss.
How to Serve Sausage and Pea Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
The charm of this Sausage and Pea Pasta Recipe shines brightest with simple garnishes. Freshly chopped parsley adds a burst of herbal brightness and a splash of color. You can also drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the top for richness or add an extra dusting of Parmesan for those who love a cheesier finish.
Side Dishes
Keep sides light and fresh to complement the hearty pasta. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully. Garlic bread or warm crusty bread is also excellent to scoop up any leftover sauce. For a vegetable side, steamed or roasted asparagus pairs perfectly and keeps the meal feeling vibrant and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Sausage and Pea Pasta Recipe in mini casserole dishes and top with breadcrumbs and Parmesan, then broil for a crunchy golden crust. You could also turn it into a pasta bake by layering it with extra cheese and baking until bubbly. Another great idea is to add a poached or fried egg on top for breakfast or brunch appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Sausage and Pea Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, retaining its savory aromas and creamy texture. When ready to eat, a quick reheat on the stovetop or microwave will bring it back to life beautifully.
Freezing
You can freeze this pasta if needed, but it’s best to do so before combining with cream and cheese to maintain texture upon thawing. Freeze the sausage and tomato sauce portion separately in freezer-friendly containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and stir in cream and cheese fresh before serving.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce feels thick or clumpy. This helps revive the creamy consistency. Avoid reheating at high temperatures to prevent the cream from separating. With care, your leftovers will feel fresh and delicious like the first time you made it.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this Sausage and Pea Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While orecchiette is traditional and great for catching sauce, any short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle will work well with this recipe.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage alternatives or sautéed mushrooms and smoked paprika for a similar smoky depth. The peas and sauce will still shine beautifully.
How spicy is the dish?
This recipe has a mild kick thanks to just a small amount of crushed red pepper flakes. You can adjust the heat up or down according to your taste by adding more flakes or omitting them entirely.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the sauce component in advance and store it separately. When ready to serve, cook the pasta fresh and combine with warmed sauce for the best texture and flavor.
What’s the best cheese to use besides Parmesan?
Pecorino Romano is a great alternative, offering a sharper and saltier flavor. Grana Padano can also work well for a milder, nutty cheese finish.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage and Pea Pasta Recipe is the kind of meal you’ll find yourself reaching for again and again—effortless to prepare yet packed with comforting flavors and pleasing textures. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this dish brings warmth and joy to the table in every bite. Give it a try and watch your kitchen fill with the irresistible aromas of a simple but truly satisfying pasta experience!
Print
Sausage and Pea Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A hearty and flavorful Italian-inspired pasta dish featuring sweet Italian sausage, tender peas, and creamy tomato sauce tossed with orecchiette pasta. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal that combines savory sausage, sweet peas, and a touch of cream with the satisfying bite of al dente pasta.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound dry orecchiette pasta (or short pasta of your choice)
Sauce and 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
- â…› 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
- â…“ cup heavy cream
For Serving
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orecchiette pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Onion and Sausage: While the pasta cooks, heat 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 with a wooden spoon, until the sausage is fully cooked and no pink remains and the onions have softened, about 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 20 seconds until fragrant. Drain off any excess fat from the pan.
- Season and Simmer: Season the sausage mixture with dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Add the canned diced tomatoes with their liquid and the chicken broth. Reduce heat to low and gently simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add Peas and Cream: Stir in the thawed sweet baby peas along with the heavy cream. Mix well and warm through for a couple of minutes, making sure the peas are heated and the sauce is creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta back to the pot or transfer the sausage mixture to the pasta pot, then toss together until the pasta is fully coated with the sausage and pea sauce.
- Serve: Ladle the pasta into shallow bowls and garnish generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute the orecchiette with any short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or shells.
- For a spicier dish, increase the crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
- If you prefer a lighter cream sauce, you can reduce the heavy cream or substitute with half-and-half.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta; al dente texture works best to hold the sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
