Oh, friends! Let me take you back to one cozy evening when the air was crisp, and the smell of garlic mingled with a hint of smokiness curled around my kitchen. It was one of those rare days when I felt inspired to create something truly special from whatever I had on hand. That’s when I stumbled upon a pack of smoked sausage in my fridge, just waiting to be transformed into a glorious dish. The moment I tossed it into a bubbling pot with onions, garlic, and that luscious cream, I knew I was onto something delightful.
The creamy sauce enveloped the perfectly cooked penne pasta, creating a warm embrace that spoke comfort in every bite. With each taste, I was reminded of family gatherings, laughter echoing through the air, and that undeniable feeling of home. This Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta became a cherished recipe, and I believe you’ll find it just as comforting and delicious as I did!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Dinner is ready in about 30 minutes!
- Flavor-Packed: The smoky sausage adds depth, while the creamy sauce is pure decadence.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for family dinners or impressing friends at a potluck.
- Versatile: Use any pasta or sausage you have on hand!
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup for maximum satisfaction.
Recipe Snapshot
| Category | Cuisine | Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Yield | Skill Level |
|——————|————|———–|———–|————|———–|——————|
| Main Course | Italian | 10 minutes| 20 minutes| 30 minutes | 4 servings | Beginner-friendly |
Ingredients
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced: This is the star of the dish—pick your favorite kind, whether spicy or mild!
- 12 oz penne pasta: A great shape for holding onto the creamy sauce—use gluten-free pasta if needed.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a lovely richness and keeps things from sticking.
- 1 small onion, diced: Sweetness that balances the smoky sausage.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Because what’s Italian cooking without the enchanting aroma of garlic?
- 1 cup heavy cream: For that luxuriously creamy texture; you can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Adds depth and flavor; vegetable broth works too, if you prefer!
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melty goodness to elevate this dish to heavenly status.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings out the best in your pasta.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: For a subtle warmth and dash of color.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for flavor balance; season to your heart’s content!
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): A pop of color and a refreshing finish to your creamy masterpiece.
Full recipe card is below.
How to Make It
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling happily, toss in that penne pasta. Cook according to package directions until al dente—typically around 10-12 minutes. This means it should have just a little bite to it! Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Sausage
In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the sliced smoked sausage and let it sizzle for about 5-7 minutes. You want those edges to get nice and crispy, releasing all that glorious smoky flavor!
Step 3: Add Aromatics
Next, introduce your diced onion to the skillet. Stir it around for about 2-3 minutes until it’s translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute. Oh, the aroma filling your kitchen right now!
Step 4: Make It Creamy
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine everything. Bring it to a gentle simmer. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, paprika, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Let it bubble softly for about 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens just a little.
Step 5: Combine with Pasta
Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and stir until every noodle is coated in creamy goodness. Then, mix in the shredded mozzarella cheese, letting it melt beautifully into the sauce.
Step 6: Serve & Garnish
Plate up that Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta, and don’t forget to sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor.
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Aim for al dente so it holds up well when mixed with the sauce.
- Use High-Quality Sausage: Good ingredients make all the difference. Look for sausages that are minimally processed.
- Adjust Seasoning: Always taste as you go! You know your palate best.
- Add a Splash of Lemon: A squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens up the dish beautifully.
Flavor Variations
- Use Different Pasta: Swap penne for fusilli, rigatoni, or even spaghetti!
- Go Veggie: Add in spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for a filling veggie boost.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a delightful kick.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy dream pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad and some crunchy garlic bread adorned with melted butter and herbs. For drinks, a chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon will elevate your dining experience.
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can prep most of this dish ahead of time! Cook the sausage and sauté the veggies, then have everything ready to assemble. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Leftovers
Revamp your leftovers by tossing them into a baked casserole topped with breadcrumbs, or mix in some veggies to make a delicious frittata.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze this dish! Allow it to cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight.
Reheating
The best way to reheat is in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep it creamy. You can also use the microwave, but stir frequently to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even plant-based options!
Can I substitute a different cheese?
Yes! Cheddar, gouda, or a creamy blend would work wonderfully too.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Incredibly! The creamy, cheesy flavor is often a hit with kids. Adjust the spice level to suit their taste.
How can I make this dish lighter?
You can swap the heavy cream for Greek yogurt or use skim milk for a lighter sauce, just be gentle with the heat to prevent curdling.
Final Thoughts
Oh, dear friends, there’s nothing quite like a bowl of Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta to wrap you in warmth and joy. It’s a hug in a dish! Whether you whip it up for a busy weeknight, a cozy gathering, or just because you need a pick-me-up, I know it will hit the spot. So gather those ingredients, get playful in the kitchen, and let the cooking magic happen. Here’s to delicious meals that bring us together—happy cooking!
Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced Pick your favorite kind, whether spicy or mild!
- 12 oz penne pasta A great shape for holding onto the creamy sauce.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil Adds richness and prevents sticking.
- 1 small onion, diced Balancing sweetness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Essential for Italian flavor.
- 1 cup heavy cream Luxuriously creamy; can substitute with half-and-half.
- 1 cup chicken broth Adds flavor; vegetable broth is a suitable alternative.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese For creamy melty goodness.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Herb blend for added flavor.
- ½ teaspoon paprika Adds warmth and color.
- Salt and pepper, to taste For flavor balance.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Offers color and freshness.
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente, typically 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Sautéing the Sausage
- In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for about 5-7 minutes until crispy.
Adding Aromatics
- Stir in the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
Making It Creamy
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer, add Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let bubble for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Combining with Pasta
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and stir until coated in sauce. Mix in shredded mozzarella cheese until melted.
Serving
- Plate the Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta, garnishing with fresh parsley.