Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that comes together quickly for any weeknight meal. With smoky sausage, tender penne, and a rich creamy sauce, it’s sure to satisfy your cravings. This recipe is simple yet delicious, perfect for home cooks looking to impress with minimal fuss.

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)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
5. Step 5: Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
6. Step 6: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, followed by the drained pasta. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
7. Step 7: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy the rich and smoky flavors!

Tips & Variations

• Use smoked sausage with different spice levels to adjust the dish’s heat to your preference.
• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
• Add sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms for extra vegetables and flavor.
• Swap mozzarella for provolone or cheddar for a different cheesy twist.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, this recipe works well with various pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta package instructions.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

You can substitute smoked sausage with vegetarian sausage or smoked tofu for a vegetarian version. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it fully plant-based.

Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 74 reviews

This Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish featuring tender penne pasta tossed in a luscious cream sauce with browned smoked sausage, mozzarella cheese, and savory seasonings. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, it combines smoky, cheesy, and creamy elements that come together in one skillet.

• Author: Caleb
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Dairy

• 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Pasta

• 12 oz penne pasta

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Liquids and Oils

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup chicken broth

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Cook the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and crispy, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
4. Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine with the onions and garlic. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and develop flavor.
5. Add the Cheese and Seasonings: Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese along with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Continue stirring the sauce until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
6. Combine the Sausage and Pasta: Return the cooked smoked sausage to the skillet, then add the drained pasta. Toss everything together with the sauce until the pasta and sausage are evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
7. Serve: Garnish the pasta with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately while hot to enjoy the comforting, smoky, and creamy flavors.

Notes

• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
• You can use any type of smoked sausage you prefer, such as kielbasa or andouille.
• If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the seasonings.
• Freshly grated mozzarella melts best and gives a smoother sauce than pre-shredded varieties with anti-caking agents.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Keywords: creamy smoked sausage pasta, penne pasta recipe, sausage pasta skillet, mozzarella pasta, easy dinner recipes, creamy pasta with sausage