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Cowboy Pasta

Cowboy Pasta
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Cowboy Pasta is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal combining smoky Italian sausage, rotini pasta, fresh bell peppers, onions, garlic, and a creamy cheese sauce with a zesty seasoning blend. Ready in under 30 minutes, this satisfying dish balances bold, rustic flavors and comforting textures, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein

  • 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)

Pasta

  • 12 ounces rotini pasta

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 cup diced bell peppers (mixed colors)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids & Canned Goods

  • 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies

Dairy & Cheese

  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Seasonings & Spices

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling salted water and cooking the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
  2. Brown the Sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until the sausage is fully browned and no longer pink, then remove excess fat if desired.
  3. Sauté Aromatics and Veggies: In the same skillet, add diced onions, garlic, and bell peppers to the sausage. Sauté until the onions become translucent and peppers soften, building that signature Cowboy Pasta flavor base.
  4. Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Pour in diced tomatoes with green chilies and sprinkle in cumin, chili powder, paprika, and salt. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld deliciously.
  5. Incorporate Cream Cheese and Pasta: Reduce the heat to low and add the cream cheese, stirring constantly until melted and creamy. Then fold in the cooked pasta and grated cheddar cheese, mixing gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
  6. Final Simmer and Serve: Let the dish simmer for an additional 2–3 minutes so all the flavors combine perfectly. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or extra cheese if desired.

Notes

  • Cook Pasta Al Dente: Slightly firm pasta holds up better when mixed with sauce, preventing mushiness.
  • Use a Nonstick Skillet: To avoid sticking and simplify cleanup, especially when melting cheeses.
  • Season Gradually: Taste as you go to adjust spices and salt for your perfect balance.
  • Melt Cheese Slowly: Add cream cheese off direct heat to prevent clumping and ensure silky sauce.
  • Fresh Herbs Boost Flavor: Sprinkle chopped cilantro or parsley at the end for a bright, fresh finish.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cowboy Pasta, Italian sausage pasta, creamy pasta, one-pot pasta, quick pasta dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://elenaglam.com/cowboy-pasta/