Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta

Why Make This Recipe

Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta is a delightful dish that combines bold flavors with a creamy texture. This pasta is not just a meal; it offers a comforting experience that is perfect for any day of the week. There is something incredibly satisfying about a hearty plate of pasta mixed with smoky sausage and creamy sauce. Whether you are feeding a family or hosting friends, this recipe is sure to impress.

One of the top reasons to make this dish is its ease. The steps are simple and don’t require advanced cooking skills. You can have a delicious meal on the table in about 30 minutes or so. Furthermore, this recipe is versatile. You can easily customize it to fit your dietary preferences or to use up ingredients you already have at home. Plus, who doesn’t love a meal that provides a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and tasty flavors?

Another appealing factor is that it is made with affordable ingredients. Smoked sausage, pasta, and basic vegetables are all easy to find and budget-friendly. You can create a restaurant-quality meal at home without breaking the bank.

Now, let’s learn how to make this delicious dish that will become a staple in your kitchen.

How to Make Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta

Creating this mouth-watering dish is straightforward. Follow the steps below to bring this recipe to life.

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)

Gather these ingredients before you start cooking to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Begin by boiling water in a large pot. Make sure to add salt to the water to enhance the flavor of the pasta. Once the water is boiling, add the penne pasta and cook until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside.

2. Heat the Olive Oil:
   In the same pot you used for the pasta, heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.

3. Cook the Smoked Sausage:
   Add the sliced smoked sausage to the pot. Cook the sausage for about 5-7 minutes or until it is browned. This step enhances its flavor and caramelizes the edges.

4. Add Onions and Garlic:
   Once the sausage is browned, add the diced onion to the pot and sauté it for about 3-4 minutes. This will allow the onion to become translucent. Next, add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning the garlic.

5. Make the Creamy Sauce:
   Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth into the pot. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

6. Add Seasoning:
   Stir in the Italian seasoning, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let the sauce cook for 2-3 minutes. This will allow it to thicken slightly and absorb all the wonderful flavors.

7. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
   Add the cooked penne pasta back into the pot. Stir well to ensure that the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce.

8. Add Cheese:
   Finally, mix in the shredded mozzarella cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese is melted and creamy, creating a rich and cheesy sauce.

9. Garnish and Serve:
   Once everything is well mixed, remove the pot from the heat. Garnish your dish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy!

How to Serve Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta

Serving Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta is just as important as making it. This pasta dish pairs perfectly with a variety of sides and drinks.

1. Serve Hot: Ensure you serve the pasta hot, right after garnishing it with parsley. This will keep the creamy texture intact and make the dish very appetizing.

2. Pair with Salad: A fresh green salad can be a great side. You can use a simple mix of leafy greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to balance the heaviness of the pasta.

3. Add Bread: Some garlic bread or a warm baguette can complement the dish beautifully. The bread can be used for dipping into the creamy sauce, making it a fulfilling meal.

4. Drink Options: Pair your dish with a nice glass of white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, consider serving iced tea or sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing touch.

How to Store Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta

If you happen to have leftovers, storing your Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta properly will ensure it stays fresh. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Cool Down: Allow the pasta to cool down to room temperature before storing it. This prevents condensation, which can make it soggy.

2. Use an Airtight Container: Transfer the cooled pasta to an airtight container. This will keep it fresh for longer.

3. Refrigerate: Store the container in the refrigerator. Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta can last in the fridge for about 3-4 days.

4. Reheating Tips: When reheating, you might want to add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore its creamy texture. Heat it gently in a pot on the stove or in the microwave.

Tips to Make Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta turns out perfect:

1. Choose Quality Sausage: The flavor of your smoked sausage can make a huge difference. Look for high-quality sausage for the best taste.

2. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Make sure to cook the pasta to al dente. This helps the pasta hold its shape when mixed with the sauce.

3. Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your sauce before serving. You might want to adjust the seasoning to your personal preference.

4. Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the dish. They can enhance both the flavor and nutrition.

Variation

You can easily modify this recipe to fit your taste. Here are some variations to consider:

• Different Pasta Types: If you don’t have penne pasta, you can use any pasta shape that you like. Fusilli, farfalle, or even spaghetti work well in this recipe.

• Spicy Version: For those who enjoy a little heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or using spicy smoked sausage.

• Vegetarian Alternative: Use a meat substitute like lentils or black beans instead of sausage. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini or squash for a complete meal.

FAQs

1. Can I freeze Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta?
Yes, you can freeze this dish. However, the cream sauce may alter in texture once frozen and reheated. If freezing, consider making the sauce separately and combining it with the pasta after thawing.

2. How can I make this dish healthier?
To make it healthier, you can use whole wheat pasta, low-fat milk instead of heavy cream, and add more vegetables to boost the nutritional value.

3. Is there a way to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! You can replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or a nut milk such as almond milk. Use dairy-free cheese for a complete dairy-free meal.

By following the above instructions, you will create a delectable dish that everyone will enjoy. Whether for a weekday dinner or a special gathering, Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta is sure to become a favorite!

Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta

A delightful dish combining bold flavors with a creamy texture, perfect for any day of the week.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 550

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
• 12 oz penne pasta or any pasta shape you like
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced avoid burning by stirring constantly
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Seasonings

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

Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Method

 

Cooking the Pasta

1. Boil water in a large pot and add salt. Cook penne pasta in boiling water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Cooking the Sausage and Vegetables

1. Add sliced smoked sausage and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until browned.
2. Add diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly.

Making the Creamy Sauce

1. Pour heavy cream and chicken broth into the pot. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
2. Stir in Italian seasoning, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let the sauce thicken for 2-3 minutes.

Combining the Ingredients

1. Add the cooked penne pasta back into the pot and stir to coat in the creamy sauce.
2. Mix in shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy.

Garnishing and Serving

1. Remove from heat, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, choose high-quality sausage. Don’t overcook the pasta; it should be al dente. Adjust seasoning to taste. Add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition.