Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe

Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta is a delicious, comforting dish that brings together smoky sausage, creamy sauce, and tender pasta for a meal that is full of flavor and incredibly satisfying. With minimal ingredients and a simple cooking process, this dish is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a family meal. The smoked sausage adds a rich, savory depth to the creamy sauce, while the mozzarella cheese and Italian seasoning create a harmonious blend of flavors. This recipe comes together in no time and will quickly become a household favorite.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. With just a few pantry staples and smoked sausage, you can create a hearty, flavorful pasta dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying on a cozy night in. The creamy sauce, combined with the smoky sausage, creates a deliciously indulgent meal that pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for a group, this pasta is sure to impress everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich and Flavorful

The combination of smoked sausage and creamy sauce makes this dish incredibly rich, savory, and satisfying.

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2. Quick and Easy

With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious, comforting meal on the table in under 30 minutes.

3. Creamy Texture

The heavy cream and mozzarella cheese create a luxuriously creamy sauce that coats every bite of pasta.

4. One-Pot Meal

This recipe is a one-pot wonder, meaning fewer dishes to clean up after enjoying your meal!

5. Customizable

You can adjust the seasonings and ingredients to suit your tastes, such as adding more vegetables or changing up the type of sausage.

Ingredients

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

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeno to the sauce for an extra kick.
• Vegetable Add-ins: For more vegetables, try adding spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the dish.
• Cheese Swap: If you prefer a different cheese, try using Parmesan or cheddar in place of mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free: Swap the penne pasta for a gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
• Turkey Sausage: For a lighter option, use turkey sausage instead of smoked sausage.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned and heated through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté 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 another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

To the skillet, add the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir to combine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Seasoning

Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sausage

Add the cooked pasta and sausage back into the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use a good quality smoked sausage for the best flavor. Look for sausage that’s well-seasoned and has a rich smokey taste.
• Adjust the creaminess: If you like a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of chicken broth, or add extra cheese for a richer texture.
• Add vegetables: Feel free to add vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the dish for extra flavor and color.
• Make it spicier: Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Leftovers: This dish reheats well in the microwave or on the stove. Just add a little extra cream or broth if the sauce thickens too much.

How to Serve

Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta pairs perfectly with a side of garlic bread or a light green salad. You can also serve it with some roasted vegetables or sautéed greens to balance the richness of the dish. For a more indulgent experience, serve with a glass of white wine or a chilled iced tea.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the pasta gently on the stovetop, adding a little extra cream or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if necessary.

Freezing

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the pasta for up to 1-2 months. To freeze, place the cooled pasta and sauce in an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and heat on the stovetop, adding a bit more cream or broth if needed.

Reheating

Reheat leftover pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to bring the sauce back to life. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the pan.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can use other types of sausage like Italian sausage, chicken sausage, or turkey sausage if preferred.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can make this dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a couple of days. Just be sure to reheat it gently on the stove, adding extra cream or broth if needed.

3. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as rigatoni, spaghetti, or fettuccine, in place of penne.

4. How can I make the sauce thicker?

To thicken the sauce, reduce the amount of chicken broth used or cook the sauce for a few extra minutes until it reduces to your desired consistency.

5. Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

Yes, you can use half-and-half, but the sauce may not be as rich or thick as it would be with heavy cream.

6. Can I use pre-cooked sausage?

If using pre-cooked sausage, just slice it and add it to the pan to heat through in Step 2, skipping the browning process.

7. Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is not gluten-free as it calls for regular penne pasta. However, you can easily swap in gluten-free pasta to make it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

8. Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Yes! Feel free to add spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the skillet when cooking the sausage for added flavor and nutrients.

9. Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the leftovers for up to 1-2 months. Just be sure to reheat with a bit of extra cream or broth.

10. How do I reheat leftovers?

To reheat, warm the pasta over low heat in a skillet, adding a little extra cream or broth to loosen the sauce and ensure it doesn’t dry out.

Conclusion

Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta is an indulgent, flavorful dish that comes together in under 30 minutes. With its rich, creamy sauce and smoky sausage, this dish is sure to satisfy your hunger and impress your guests. It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or making it ahead for lunch, this creamy pasta dish is guaranteed to be a favorite in your household.

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