Description
This Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta is a delightful one-pan dish combining smoky sausage, tender pasta, and a luscious creamy sauce enriched with Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it’s packed with flavor and comfort in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage and Vegetables
- 12 ounces smoked sausage, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquid Base and Seasonings
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Pasta and Cheese
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Smoked Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned on both sides, about 4–5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add the uncooked pasta, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer Pasta: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low and cover. Cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the liquid has thickened into a creamy sauce.
- Combine Sausage and Cheese: Return the cooked sausage to the pan and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Let it simmer for another 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts and the sauce slightly thickens.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese or add a splash of white wine during cooking.
- Use turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter, lower-fat option.
- If you prefer a spicier twist, add red pepper flakes along with other seasonings.
- Ensure to stir occasionally during simmering to prevent pasta from sticking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
