One-Pot Alfredo with Sausage and Peppers Recipe

Introduction

Looking for a delicious, creamy, and hearty weeknight dinner that can be made in a single pot? This One-Pot Alfredo with Sausage and Peppers checks all the boxes. Combining the rich, velvety goodness of Alfredo sauce with spicy sausage and colorful sautéed peppers, this dish is a flavorful twist on classic Alfredo pasta. With just one pot, minimal cleanup is required, making it perfect for busy nights when you want a home-cooked meal without the hassle.

This meal offers the perfect balance between creamy comfort food and the bold flavors of Italian sausage and peppers. The sausage adds a hint of spice, while the peppers bring freshness and color to the dish. The creamy Alfredo sauce coats everything beautifully, tying it all together for a satisfying, indulgent meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.


Ingredients:

  • 12 oz of Italian sausage (spicy or mild, depending on preference)
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 2 cups of heavy cream
  • 1 ½ cups of chicken broth
  • 8 oz of fettuccine (or any long pasta of choice)
  • 1 ½ cups of grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparation:

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

  • In a large pot or deep skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the Italian sausage (casings removed if using links). Cook for about 5-7 minutes, breaking the sausage apart with a wooden spoon as it browns. Cook until the sausage is fully browned and cooked through.
  • Once cooked, transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside, leaving any drippings in the pot for added flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

  • In the same pot, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Add the onions, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
  • Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic burn.

Step 3: Add Liquid and Pasta

  • Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine with the sautéed vegetables.
  • Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer, then add the fettuccine. Make sure the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid.
  • Let the pasta cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom. The pasta will cook directly in the sauce, absorbing the creamy flavors as it softens.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Sausage

  • Once the pasta is al dente, lower the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce. This will create a rich, creamy Alfredo base.
  • Return the cooked sausage to the pot, along with any juices it may have released.
  • Stir everything together until the sausage and peppers are evenly distributed and coated with the Alfredo sauce.

Step 5: Adjust Seasoning and Serve

  • Season the dish with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little more chicken broth or water to loosen it up.
  • Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness before serving.

Cooking Note:

  • Cooking the pasta directly in the sauce is key to this dish’s rich, creamy texture. The pasta absorbs the cream and broth, thickening the sauce as it cooks.
  • If you prefer a lighter version of this dish, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce won’t be as thick or rich.
  • If you’re not a fan of spicy sausage, use mild Italian sausage or even chicken sausage for a leaner option.

Serving Suggestions:

This One-Pot Alfredo with Sausage and Peppers is hearty enough to serve on its own, but it pairs well with a variety of sides:

  • A fresh Caesar salad or a simple green salad for a light contrast to the creamy sauce.
  • Garlic bread or crusty bread to mop up any leftover sauce on your plate.
  • Roasted vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or broccoli can be served alongside to add more greens to the meal.

Tips:

  • Use pre-cooked sausage to save even more time. Simply slice the sausage and toss it in after the pasta is cooked.
  • Vary the vegetables: Feel free to add mushrooms, spinach, or even zucchini to the peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
  • Reheat leftovers on the stovetop with a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce and maintain its creamy texture.
  • Customize the pasta: While fettuccine works well in Alfredo dishes, you can easily swap it for penne, rigatoni, or any other pasta shape you have on hand.

Prep Time:

  • 10 minutes

Cooking Time:

  • 20 minutes

Total Time:

  • 30 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. 4 servings):

  • Calories: 730 kcal
  • Protein: 27g
  • Carbohydrates: 56g
  • Fat: 47g
  • Sodium: 960 mg

Conclusion:

This One-Pot Alfredo with Sausage and Peppers delivers everything you want from a comforting pasta dish: rich Alfredo sauce, flavorful sausage, and tender, sautéed peppers all cooked together in one pot for easy prep and clean-up. The creamy sauce clings to the fettuccine and is perfectly balanced by the spiciness of the sausage and the sweetness of the peppers. Best of all, it’s quick to make, taking just 30 minutes from start to finish. Whether you’re looking for a new weeknight dinner idea or a satisfying meal to share with family and friends, this recipe is sure to please.

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One-Pot Alfredo with Sausage and Peppers Recipe


  • Author: Imili Johnson
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz of Italian sausage (spicy or mild, depending on preference)
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 2 cups of heavy cream
  • 1 ½ cups of chicken broth
  • 8 oz of fettuccine (or any long pasta of choice)
  • 1 ½ cups of grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

  • In a large pot or deep skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the Italian sausage (casings removed if using links). Cook for about 5-7 minutes, breaking the sausage apart with a wooden spoon as it browns. Cook until the sausage is fully browned and cooked through.
  • Once cooked, transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside, leaving any drippings in the pot for added flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

  • In the same pot, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Add the onions, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
  • Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic burn.

Step 3: Add Liquid and Pasta

  • Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine with the sautéed vegetables.
  • Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer, then add the fettuccine. Make sure the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid.
  • Let the pasta cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom. The pasta will cook directly in the sauce, absorbing the creamy flavors as it softens.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Sausage

  • Once the pasta is al dente, lower the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce. This will create a rich, creamy Alfredo base.
  • Return the cooked sausage to the pot, along with any juices it may have released.
  • Stir everything together until the sausage and peppers are evenly distributed and coated with the Alfredo sauce.

Step 5: Adjust Seasoning and Serve

  • Season the dish with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little more chicken broth or water to loosen it up.
  • Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness before serving.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes

Nutrition

  • Calories: 730
  • Sodium: 960 mg
  • Carbohydrates: 56g
  • Protein: 27g
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