Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta – A Rich & Flavorful Comfort Dish

Why Make This Recipe

Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy weeknight dinners or cozy family gatherings. This dish combines hearty smoked sausage with creamy pasta, making it rich in flavor and satisfying. It’s easy to make, requires simple ingredients, and is sure to please everyone at the table.

How to Make Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta

Ingredients:

• 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

1. Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2. Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.

3. Add Vegetables: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

4. Make the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir well. Add the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes.

5. Combine: Add the cooked pasta and shredded mozzarella cheese to the skillet. Stir everything together until the pasta is coated with the creamy sauce and the cheese is melted.

6. Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

How to Serve Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta

Serve this dish warm, directly from the skillet. It pairs wonderfully with a side salad or garlic bread. You can sprinkle extra cheese or fresh herbs on top for added flavor and presentation.

How to Store Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta

To store leftovers, let the pasta cool to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce.

Tips to Make Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta

• Feel free to use your favorite type of pasta; it doesn’t have to be penne!
• For added veggies, consider including spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
• Adjust the spices to suit your taste—add more paprika for heat or extra Italian seasoning for herbiness.

Variation

You can make this dish lighter by using turkey or chicken sausage instead of smoked sausage. You can also substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a less rich sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! You can use any cheese that melts well, such as cheddar or parmesan.

2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and checking that your sausage is gluten-free.

3. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or adjust the paprika to your liking to make it spicier.

Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta

This creamy smoked sausage pasta is a rich and flavorful comfort dish that's perfect for a weeknight meal. It's quick to prepare and packed with delicious ingredients.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings 4 people

Equipment

• large pot
• large skillet
• whisk

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 14 ounces smoked sausage sliced
• 12 ounces pasta fettuccine, penne, or bow tie
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium yellow onion chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
• salt to taste
• black pepper to taste

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Cook pasta according to package directions, then drain and set aside.
• In a large skillet, brown the sliced smoked sausage over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes; remove and set aside, leaving rendered fat in the skillet.
• Add butter to the skillet, melt it, then sauté chopped onion for 3-5 minutes until softened.

Cooking

• Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Gradually whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
• Slowly pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking until smooth and thickened.
• Return cooked sausage to the skillet, then stir in Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper.
• Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed to maintain creaminess.