If you’re craving a creamy, savory, and satisfying meal that’s quick and easy to prepare, then look no further than Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta. This dish is perfect for a busy weeknight or even for entertaining friends and family. The rich cream sauce, combined with the smoky flavor of sausage, perfectly complements the penne pasta for a hearty, soul-warming dish everyone will love. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe guarantees a mouthwatering result every time!

Let’s dive into the details, from the ingredients to the step-by-step process, and discover why this pasta dish will become a regular in your dinner rotation!

Ingredients for Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta

Before you get started, make sure you have all the ingredients listed below. You’ll notice that many of these ingredients are pantry staples, making this recipe incredibly easy to pull together at the last minute!

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)

These simple yet flavorful ingredients are sure to bring a perfect balance of richness, smokiness, and creaminess to your plate. The sausage adds a wonderful depth of flavor, while the creamy sauce makes every bite a comforting experience.

How to Make Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta

This creamy pasta dish is incredibly easy to make, and it requires minimal prep work. Just follow these simple steps to bring your delicious meal together!

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

First things first, get that pot of water boiling! Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, add in the penne pasta and cook it according to the package instructions typically around 9-11 minutes for al dente texture. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. This will allow the pasta to soak up all the creamy goodness in the next steps!

Step 2: Cook the Smoked Sausage

Now, it’s time to add the smoky goodness! In a large skillet, heat up olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until it’s nice and browned and crispy on the edges. This process should take about 5-7 minutes, but feel free to cook it a little longer if you like it extra crispy.

Once the sausage is done, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. You’ll be adding it back later to mix in with the creamy sauce.

Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

In the same skillet, with the leftover oil and sausage drippings, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. The leftover bits of sausage will infuse the onion with extra flavor, giving the base of your sauce a nice savory kick. After the onion has softened, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it becomes fragrant. Garlic tends to cook quickly, so keep an eye on it to avoid burning.

Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce

Next, we’re going to build that luxurious cream sauce. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet with the onion and garlic. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to cook for about 3-4 minutes, which will give the sauce time to thicken slightly.

At this stage, you’ll begin to notice the sauce coming together, creating a beautiful, velvety texture. The combination of cream and broth is what gives this dish its rich, comforting quality. The creamy sauce will envelop the pasta in a way that is sure to make everyone come back for seconds!

Step 5: Add the Cheese and Seasonings

Now comes the fun part – adding the shredded mozzarella cheese! Stir the cheese into the sauce until it’s completely melted and the sauce becomes nice and creamy. The mozzarella will thicken the sauce just a bit more, helping it coat every strand of pasta perfectly.

Next, add in the Italian seasoning, paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything well to make sure the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the sauce. The paprika adds a mild smokiness that complements the sausage, while the Italian seasoning brings a warm, herbal flavor to the mix.

Step 6: Combine the Sausage and Pasta

It’s time to bring everything together! Return the cooked smoked sausage to the skillet, mixing it into the creamy sauce. Stir well to coat the sausage in that rich, flavorful sauce. Once the sausage is thoroughly mixed in, add the drained penne pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is well coated with the sauce and sausage.

The pasta should absorb some of the creamy sauce, making each bite extra delicious. If the sauce seems a little thick, you can always add a splash of chicken broth or a little pasta cooking water to thin it out.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Once everything is combined and the dish is heated through, it’s time to serve! Scoop the creamy smoked sausage pasta onto plates and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. This garnish adds a light, herbaceous note that balances the richness of the dish.

Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting flavors of this delicious pasta dish!

Nutritional Information

Curious about the calories? Here’s the nutritional breakdown for Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta:

Calories: 450 kcal per serving
Servings: 4 servings

This dish is hearty and satisfying but doesn’t go overboard on calories, making it a great option for a balanced meal. You can pair it with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables to add a bit of color and extra nutrients to the plate.

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta

Looking for the perfect side to serve alongside this rich, creamy pasta dish? Here are some excellent options that complement the flavors of Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta:

Roasted Vegetables: Try serving this pasta with a side of roasted carrots, brussels sprouts, or zucchini for a delicious and nutritious addition.
Garlic Bread: You can’t go wrong with some crispy garlic bread to soak up any leftover creamy sauce.
Green Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
Steamed Broccoli: Steamed or sautéed broccoli offers a slightly bitter flavor that pairs well with the creamy pasta and sausage.

Don’t forget to pair this dish with a refreshing drink, such as iced tea, lemonade, or even some sparkling water to balance out the richness of the meal.

Variations and Customizations

This creamy smoked sausage pasta recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways you can mix things up based on your preferences or dietary needs:

Swap the sausage: If you prefer a different type of sausage, feel free to use chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even a plant-based sausage for a healthier or vegetarian alternative.
Add vegetables: Boost the nutritional content by adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce.
Make it spicy: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce for a kick.
Gluten-free pasta: For a gluten-free version, simply substitute the penne with gluten-free pasta.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure this dish turns out perfectly every time, here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

Overcooking the pasta: Make sure to cook the penne pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook when mixed with the hot sauce. Overcooking can result in mushy pasta.
Burning the garlic: Garlic can burn quickly, so always cook it on medium heat and keep a close eye on it. Burnt garlic will taste bitter and affect the flavor of the dish.
Not adjusting the sauce thickness: If the sauce is too thick, you can easily thin it out by adding a little more chicken broth or pasta water. It’s always easier to add liquid than to fix a sauce that’s too thin.
Not seasoning enough: Make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as you go. A dash of salt and pepper can go a long way in elevating the flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes! While this recipe uses penne, feel free to substitute it with rigatoni, fettuccine, or bowtie pasta. Just ensure the pasta you use can hold up to the creamy sauce.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce and sausage mixture ahead of time, then toss in the cooked pasta when ready to serve. You may need to add a bit more liquid when reheating the dish.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to help loosen the sauce.

Can I freeze this dish?

While this dish can be frozen, the cream sauce may change texture once thawed. If you decide to freeze it, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly and add a bit of liquid to bring the sauce back to life.

Conclusion

Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta is a comforting, rich, and incredibly satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting a dinner party, this recipe is sure to please. With its creamy sauce, smoky sausage, and the perfect balance of seasonings, it’s the type of meal that everyone will crave. Try it today, and let the creamy goodness take over your taste buds!

For more delicious and easy-to-make recipes like this one, check out these links for more inspiration:

Enjoy this dish, and happy cooking!

Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta – A Rich & Flavorful Comfort Dish

Author: Amelia Sullivan
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

A rich and creamy smoked sausage pasta that combines smoky sausage, a luscious cream sauce, and melty mozzarella cheese. This comforting dish is easy to make and guaranteed to please every pasta lover at your dinner table!

Ingredients

Scale

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

Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Sausage:
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.
Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
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.
Make the Cream Sauce:
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.
Add the Cheese and Seasonings:
Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
Combine the Sausage and Pasta:
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, followed by the drained pasta. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy the rich and smoky flavors of your creamy smoked sausage pasta!

Notes

For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
You can swap the mozzarella cheese for parmesan or a blend of cheeses for a different taste.
If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a lower-fat cream.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 950mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 39g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 21g
Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta, Smoked Sausage Pasta, Comfort Food, Sausage Pasta Recipe, Creamy Sausage Pasta, Easy Pasta Recipes, Weeknight Dinner Ideas, Pasta with Sausage, Mozzarella Pasta