Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://todayfoodrecipe.com/creamy-smoked-sausage-pasta-recipe/
