Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting and indulgent pasta dish, this Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta is sure to hit the spot. This dish combines the rich flavors of smoked sausage with a creamy, cheesy sauce that coats every bite of tender pasta. It’s a quick, easy-to-make recipe that delivers restaurant-quality taste in the comfort of your home. The smoky sausage pairs perfectly with the velvety cream sauce, making this pasta both hearty and satisfying.

Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re entertaining guests, this creamy pasta is made with simple ingredients that are likely already in your pantry and fridge. The savory sausage, combined with a blend of mozzarella cheese and seasonings, creates a harmonious balance of flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. Get ready for a rich, flavorful, and creamy pasta dish that will leave everyone coming back for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy to Make

This creamy smoked sausage pasta can be made in just 30 minutes, making it a great choice for busy days when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

2. Creamy and Flavorful

The combination of heavy cream and mozzarella cheese creates a luxurious, rich sauce that coats the pasta and sausage, resulting in a decadent, flavorful dish.

3. Hearty and Filling

With smoked sausage and hearty penne pasta, this dish is satisfying enough to be served as a main meal on its own.

4. Versatile and Customizable

You can easily swap the smoked sausage for other types of sausage or even add extra vegetables to enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.

5. Perfect for Leftovers

This pasta holds up well for leftovers, so you can enjoy it the next day for lunch or dinner. The flavors meld together even more after resting, making it even tastier.

this RECIPE

Ingredients

For the Pasta

• Smoked sausage (sliced)
• Penne pasta
• Olive oil
• Onion (diced)
• Garlic (minced)
• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Italian seasoning
• Paprika
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Variations

• Different Sausages: If you’re not a fan of smoked sausage, feel free to use other types of sausage like Italian sausage or kielbasa for a different flavor profile.
• Add Veggies: Incorporate vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for an extra layer of taste and texture.
• Make It Spicy: For a kick, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cream sauce.
• Use Different Cheese: While mozzarella works beautifully in this dish, you can swap it for other cheeses like cheddar, Parmesan, or a blend of cheeses for varied flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by cooking the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Sausage

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned and slightly crispy, about 5–7 minutes. Once done, remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Onion and Garlic

In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, until fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to cook for 3–5 minutes. Add the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

Once the cream sauce has thickened slightly, stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese, allowing it to melt and create a creamy, smooth sauce.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sausage

Add the cooked pasta and smoked sausage back into the skillet, tossing everything together to coat evenly with the sauce. Let it simmer for another 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once everything is combined and heated through, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy your creamy, smoky, cheesy pasta!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Be sure to cook the pasta just until al dente. Overcooking will result in a mushy texture when combined with the creamy sauce.
• Use Full-Fat Cream: For the creamiest, most indulgent texture, use full-fat heavy cream. It helps create a rich sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
• Customize the Spice: Adjust the paprika and seasoning levels according to your taste preferences. For a spicier dish, increase the amount of paprika or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Thicken the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer a little longer to reduce and thicken. Alternatively, you can add a little cornstarch mixed with water to help thicken it up.

How to Serve

This creamy smoked sausage pasta is perfect on its own, but it can be paired with a side of garlic bread, a light salad, or some roasted vegetables. It also pairs well with a glass of white wine or a light beer for a complete meal. Serve it family-style or in individual portions for a hearty dinner option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To store leftovers, place the cooled pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to help restore the creamy texture.

Freezing

While this pasta can technically be frozen, the cream sauce may separate when reheated. If you choose to freeze, let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet with a bit of chicken broth or milk and gently heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warm and creamy.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute penne with other pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or rotini for a fun twist.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pasta and sausage ahead of time, but it’s best to make the sauce and combine everything just before serving to keep it creamy.

3. Can I use turkey sausage instead of smoked sausage?

Yes, turkey sausage will work well in this dish if you’re looking for a leaner option. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

4. Can I add vegetables to this pasta?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas to the sauce for added flavor and nutrition.

5. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

To make this recipe dairy-free, you can substitute the heavy cream with a non-dairy cream like coconut cream or cashew cream, and use dairy-free cheese alternatives.

6. How do I make the sauce thicker?

If you want a thicker sauce, simmer it for a little longer or add a slurry of cornstarch and water to help it thicken up.

7. Can I use frozen sausage?

Yes, you can use frozen sausage, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking to ensure it cooks evenly.

8. How long does this dish last in the fridge?

The pasta will last for up to 3 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container.

9. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, feel free to swap mozzarella with other cheeses like cheddar, Parmesan, or gouda for a different flavor profile.

10. Can I make this recipe spicier?

Yes, to add more heat, you can sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when making the sauce.

Conclusion

This Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta is the perfect combination of smoky sausage, creamy cheese sauce, and al dente pasta. It’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and hearty enough to satisfy even the hungriest of appetites. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish will quickly become a go-to favorite. With its rich flavor, creamy texture, and satisfying ingredients, this is a pasta recipe that’s sure to leave everyone asking for seconds.

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