Sausage and Vegetable Pasta

Sausage and Vegetable Pasta

Ingredients:

– 1 pound (16 oz) farfalle (bowtie) pasta
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 pound Italian sausage (or any sausage of your choice), sliced
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped
– 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. **Cook the Pasta**: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. **Cook the Sausage**: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.

3. **Sauté the Vegetables**: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until it starts to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute. Then, add the chopped red and yellow bell peppers and cook for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

4. **Make the Sauce**: Lower the heat and add the heavy cream to the skillet. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.

5. **Combine Everything**: Add the cooked sausage back to the skillet, and then add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce and everything is heated through.

6. **Serve**: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

This dish is versatile, so feel free to add other vegetables or adjust the seasoning to your taste.